School district stages special Game Day

“This is important because these students don’t always get the same opportunities as their peers to let loose, enjoy themselves and be a part of something big,” said Alcorn School District Director of Special Education Snookey Borden. “I also like that we get to bring all the schools together from across the district and they get to see all their friends.”

The 80 students participated in race relays, red cup pong, basketball, dance and different carnival-style games from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Thursday.

“It means a lot to us,” said Megan Jackson, whose son Bruin is in fourth grade. “He feels included. He thrives in it. The student helpers pay attention to him and he loves people. I love that he is safe and it’s done in a controlled environment. I don’t have to worry about chasing him.”

About 70 high school students from all three county schools volunteer their time for the event.

“I’ve always like helping out with these events,” said Hank Harville, a junior at Alcorn Central. “It makes me feel like I’m giving back. It makes me feel like I’m helping make these kids’ day and getting more involved.”

Carrie Mitchell teaches self contained at Biggersville Middle School.

“This is a day of carefree fellowship for our kids,” she said. “Teaching special education is a calling. It continues to be the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.”

Micah Haire, a sophomore at Kossuth, volunteered for game day.

“I just enjoy helping these kids,” she said. “I go on all the trips with them. It’s just a fun day to spend with them.”

The games are the brainchild of Alcorn School District Superintendent Brandon Quinn.

“He came to me and said ‘Why don’t we do something for our kids?’” said Borden. “We have participated in the Area 11 Special Olympics in Tupelo or Pontotoc for years, but not everyone gets to participate and they closed down during the COVID years.”

Quinn addressed the idea when the home product and former local coach and principal was first promoted to superintendent.

“Her (Bordon) team really took that idea and ran with it,” he said. “They made it much bigger and better than I could have envisioned it.”

Quinn said the day is a good time for students, teachers, volunteers and administrators.

“It’s the purest joy,” he said. “You just see it on their faces. The student volunteers and teachers have it, too. There is a camaraderie and a purity to it. Every kid deserves a day to just be a kid and they took full advantage of it for sure.”