On Friday, Dorchester County School District 4 hosted the Area 6 Special Olympics Spring Games & Unified Sports Day at Woodland High School, bringing together students from across Dorchester District 4 and elementary and middle school students from Colleton County for a day filled with joy, competition, and teamwork. It was wonderful to see students of all ages, from kindergartners to high school seniors, united in celebration and we couldn't have asked for better weather.
The success of this event was made possible by the hard work and dedication of Mrs. Julia Drum, who spearheaded and organized the entire day. She coordinated efforts between administrators, coaches, nurses, teachers, staff, and volunteers, ensuring everything ran smoothly and that every student had an unforgettable experience.
Mrs. Drum sent "a shout-out to Ms. Calundra Lighty in Dorchester 4, who was instrumental in planning and preparing for the event! She is an amazing teammate who took the lead on numerous tasks with enthusiasm and dedication.
A huge thank you to Ms. Rosali Arokiasamy in Colleton County, who kept everything running like clockwork, managing timelines, staying organized, and asking all the right questions to keep us on track!
We also appreciate Mr. Michael White and the Woodland High School staff for supporting Unified Champion School projects and allowing us to take over the school campus for the day. Their support made a huge impact!
\A special thank you to Mr. Arturo Hervada with SOSC, who consistently supports all of our Unified Champion School events with equipment, divisioning, on-site assistance, and—most importantly—patience in answering hundreds of questions!
And, of course, a heartfelt thank you to all the District Office staff, principals, teachers, partners, and volunteers who came together to make this event possible! It truly took a team effort to ensure that every student felt included, supported, and celebrated.
Woodland High School Student and Campus Creator, Jay'Vonne Mayfied, wrote "The Special Olympics featured a variety of fun activities, including obstacle courses and games, allowing every participant to showcase their skills and enjoy the excitement of the day. Student volunteers brought incredible energy, cheering on their peers and lending a helping hand wherever needed. Food was an important part of the experience as well! Food service teams provided delicious snacks and meals, making sure that every participant and volunteer was well taken care of. Health and safety were also top priorities throughout the day, with nurses and athletic staff on-site to provide any necessary assistance and ensure a smooth and safe experience for all."
In the end, the Unified Special Olympics was not just a day of competition but also a powerful reminder of the strength of teamwork, the spirit of inclusion, and the power of community. Thank you to everyone who played a part in making this event such an incredible success!