By: Ainsley Hall
MARTINSBURG — Through the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools program, Musselman High School organized an event where special education students teamed up with general education students to go bowling at Pikeside Bowl on Wednesday.
They traveled from the school to play together and promote unity among students.
The Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools program is designed to bridge the gap between special education students and general education students through sports like bocce ball. Recently, the group at Musselman High School decided to add a new sport to the program and become a banner-certified school for the program. They chose bowling because Pikeside Bowl is just a few minutes away from the school, and since it’s like bocce ball, it seemed like the perfect sport to try.
Brian Kleppner, special education teacher and Unified Special Olympics liaison at Musselman High School, was excited to bring the students to bowl for the first time. He believes this program is important because it breaks down barriers and encourages students to be inclusive.
“A lot of times, these two groups are isolated,” Kleppner said. “When I was in high school, there was a Key Club that did a lot of stuff like this. That’s why I became a teacher. This program gives students the chance to get to know each other and have fun.”
Kleppner shared that he feels lucky to have so many great volunteers and leaders to make this program a success. It is mostly student-led, with each of them working with special education students and finding ways to get them included.
Brendan Dugan, one of the program’s student leaders and Musselman’s bocce ball champion shared that the program also helps students like him get out more to have fun and interact with others.
“This program means a lot,” Dugan said. “It lets us connect with others and spend time with my friends.”
Keira Foltz is one of the Unified Champion School student leaders. During her freshman year, she knew another student who helped with special needs students, so she decided to give it a try herself. She quickly fell in love with the program and became close friends with many of the students.
“My mom had an aunt with Down syndrome, so she always taught me to look past people’s differences,” Foltz said. “I’ve met my best friend Aleah and so many other great friends through working with special education students. It’s just so great to see their faces when they aren’t left out.”