A HORSE’S TOUCH ATHLETES COMPETE IN SPECIAL OLYMPICS FOR EQUESTRIANISM

from Osprey Observer Riverview/Apollo Beach April 2023

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On February 24 and February 25, riders from A Horse’s Touch participated in the annual Florida Special Olympics held at the Bakas Equestrian Center in Tampa. Competing against individuals from across Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, A Horse’s Touch was represented by four riders, all of whom placed in the trail and equitation events this year: 12-year-old twins, a 13-year-old female and a 19-year-old male.

Residing in the FishHawk and Riverview areas, each of these riders trained for one year under the founder of A Horse’s Touch, Mercedes McClellan, regardless of their level of experience in competition. Riders faced a series of challenges during the Special Olympics, such as having to walk over cavaletti poles and making their horse retreat three steps backward independently.

Both twins placed fourth in the trail event; in the equitation event, one was awarded third and the other fourth. The female placed ﬁfth in both the trail and equitation events, and the male was awarded third in both the trail and equitation events. McClellan cites that witnessing their accomplishments and her riders’ pride as the most rewarding aspect.

“This is the greatest experience a coach can have — when you look over and see their parents tear up to watch their son or daughter win a ribbon,” said McClellan.

By Madeline Gardner

While the Florida Special Olympics was not hosted in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19, A Horse’s Touch has otherwise competed in these annual events since 2018. In 2019, McClellan’s students advanced to and competed at the state level in Ocala.

Seeking to secure and further these opportunities for motivated individuals, A Horse’s Touch welcomes those with varying conditions, such as attention deﬁcit disorder (ADD) and cerebral palsy. Furthermore, foster children and those who have sufered previous abuse are also encouraged to become involved.

In addition to A Horse’s Touch, McClellan ofers other programs. This includes the Work Exchange (WE) program, an opportunity for students interested in the Bright Futures Scholarship Program to contribute help around the property in return for lessons on various topics, such as fundamental riding skills and learning to care for the horses. Horse camps for children, birthday parties and horse recitals are also featured activities of McClellan’s.

For more information about A Horse’s Touch, visit https://ahorsestouch.godaddysites.com/. Further details can be found by emailing mmbarn4@gmail.com or calling 813-992-0743. A Horse’s Touch is located at 12435 Cody Dr. in Wimauma.

SUMNER HIGH’S TEACHER OF THE YEAR TONY PIROTTA WINS NATIONAL AWARD FOR CIVICS PROGRAM

John F. Kennedy said, “One person can make a diference and everyone should try.” Tony Pirotta, Sumner High School’s teacher of the year, is making a daily diference, and his impact will be felt in our community for years to come.

Pirotta teaches civics at Sumner High School. He was one of three educators in the country to win the 2022 American Civic Education Teacher Award. Tony also sponsors Sumner’s student government association, coaches the girls’ soccer team, announces football games on Fridays in the fall and spearheads Hillsborough County Public Schools’ Ought to Be a Law program. The hours he puts in at school are nothing compared to his passion for integrity.

Sumner High School Principal Robert Nelson said Priotta’s impact reaches well beyond the classroom.

“Tony is an amazing civics teacher who connects with his students on a daily basis. He is an incredible asset to our school and community. I am blessed and honored to have him on my staf,” Nelson said.

Pirotta focuses on teaching students that there is no better time to have an impact than today.

“I want to help my students understand that they can make a diference now. I feel that many Americans feel as though they are just one person that is somewhat powerless to efect change in their community. I want to show my students that that is just not true. Our communities will

By Jane Owen

only become what we make them,” Pirotta said.

Sumner’s Student Government Association said Pirotta makes them desire to be engaged citizens.

Pirotta leads the Ought to Be a Law program, created in 2008, for Hillsborough County Schools. Ought to Be a Law is a student-led service-learning program that provides students an opportunity to work with the Florida State Legislature in drafting, lobbying and presenting real legislative bills.

“While I hope the students enjoy the learning experience Ought to Be a Law provides for them. I hope even more that they learn about being engaged and responsible citizens that help build better and stronger communities. I hope they learn about service and treating people with respect,” Pirotta said.

Without a doubt, Pirotta’s students in the Ought to Be a Law program and at Sumner High School learn service, respect and compassion. Our community is diferent and better because of Pirotta.

For more information or to read more about Ought to Be a Law, please https:// otbal.jimdofree.com/.