Video, photos and story by Jo Mathis/AAPS District News Editor
On your mark. Get set. Go!
Students cheered from the sidelines as their peers raced down the track at the recent 5th Annual A2 Unifed Day—a much-anticipated event that includes students from both special and general education.
“The great thing about A2 Unifed Day is that we put on an event not only for our students with disabilities, but for their peers as well,” said adaptive p.e. teacher Deak Swearingen, who co-founded the event now led by Dana Cesarz, the district’s Peer-to-Peer coordinator. “It really unifies everyone on an equal playing field, and it’s great to see students cheering on both sides, and competing, as well.”
The athletic competition included students from across the district over two days at Skyline High School.
Pioneer High School teacher’s assistant Troy Montri says this event is one the kids look forward to all year.
“They’re having so much joy—we wouldn’t miss this event for the world,” he said. “It makes the end of our year.”
Thanks so much to Deak & Dana for putting this wonderful event together! It was a perfect day to watch these awesome athletes compete and have a great time!