Students organize annual Special Olympics

rue SIDDIQUI

MHS is hosting its annual Special Olympics today. However, there is a difference this year: it’s led by students.

Lexi Kossmann, senior, is spearheading the organization of the event.

“Last year when I was a buddy, I really loved the experience, so I wanted to help recreate that experience this year,” Kossmann said.

Kossmann said she is in charge of fundraising, t-shirt designs, pairing buddies with the athletes and prizes.

“I’m just trying to delegate tasks as best as I can because I can’t do it all by myself,” Kossmann said.

The turnout in buddy registration has been greater this year, allowing for alternate buddies in the absence of one, Kossmann said. Buddies are students who assist and athletes throughout the day as well as keep them company.

“It’s so exciting to see all the interest in this event,” Kossmann said. “It’s so important to get these kids well versed with other kids and making friends while having a fun day for themselves.”

Assisting Kossmann in planning the event is Lauren Lakamp, senior. Lakamp has been involved with Best Buddies and the PE Mentoring program since her freshman year.

“Many students may not have had the opportunity to meet and interact with many of our SSD students, but a big event like Special Olympics helps to begin fostering those new connections,” Lakamp said. “Something I’m truly lucky to do every day.”

Lakamp said it’s an all-hands-ondeck effort.

“It’s so awesome to see so many people eager and willing to take on a leadership role to make Special Olympics happen,” she said.

Lakamp said she urges future students to join the event in any way possible.

“The relationships you form with the athletes are so instrumental for our athletes, but I’ve also found that these relationships also make a huge impact on our volunteers as well,” Lakamp said. “To feel accepted and celebrated for who you truly are is so important.”

Lakamp said many students who receive SSD services spend their entire day in the same classrooms with the same students, so getting outside of the classroom and making these relationships with other peers is all the more special for them.

“Last year was so much fun, and now that we’ve been a lot more student-led this year, it will be amazing to see all of our hard work put into action,” Lakamp said.

Felicia Durst, P.E. teacher, was the head organizer last year, and remains heavily involved.

“I felt our athletes deserved a home event, so I asked for MHS to host a