While school is coming to an end, more fun is being provided by the school shortly. On the topic of fun, the Hawk Olympics will be coming up soon. It is taking place on May 5, from 8:00 am-2:00 pm, located at the High School track. The Hawk Olympics is a day for those in Special Education. It is a day when they can feel capable of doing challenging things that they may never even consider. It is also a day where people may watch (if they are allowed by teachers) and cheer students on in any of the events that are happening. This is not only an event that happens in Hamburg, but also in many other schools that partake in this day, making the students feel proud of the work that was put in.
Mrs. Newpher has been working with special education students for 25 years and has been working with Mrs. Alyssa Fink, who used to run the Hawk Olympics. It is a day when the students can enjoy themselves and feel free to participate. The events include 50m, 100m, 200m, and 400m; those in a wheelchair or using a walker can do the 25m run. Other events include the long jump, softball throw, or shot put, which those who would like to try. While competing in the events, at the end of the day, everyone gets a medal and ribbon for participating, and nobody feels left out. Mrs. Newpher, running this, says it can be quite stressful at times, trying to find sponsors and sending out letters to find them. These letters are sent around November and sometimes do not get feedback until February and March. Mrs. Herber and the Transition Academy help Mrs. Newpher make this day as fun as possible. She enjoys the day so much and always gets emotional just seeing how happy the kids can get. “At the end of the day, it always makes me tear up a bit seeing these students have the brightest smiles.”
Olivia Yoder is a freshman student who has participated in Hawk Olympics before. She has a lot of fun and usually competes in the sprints and throwing events. Her favorite part of the day is seeing people and being able to talk to them. She mentions, “I like talking to my friends who make me laugh.” She cannot wait for the fun to start and, overall, has a great time.”
