Canton Schools: Early Rain and 25 Strong

Submitted article

The hour may have been early and the sky bursting with rain, but that didn’t deter a group of 25 Canton school students and adults from boarding a bus bound for the Regional Special Olympics held this past Saturday at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven.

For the past 15 years or more, Canton teachers, Patrick Allen and Tim Barth, have taken a group of Canton Intermediate, Middle, and High School students to volunteer their time at both the winter and summer Special Olympics.  They have served as cheerleaders, encouraging athletes as they compete in their events, athlete coordinators, and as event monitors. 

This year’s assignment saw the group coordinating and serving lunches to more than 350 athletes, coaches, and volunteers. 

“Every year is different,” Allen said.  “Our assignment may be different each time we go, but the positive feelings of stepping outside oneself and helping others in community never changes.  Students and adults, alike, gain a renewed sense of purpose and helping one another in the wider community.  I believe that taking part in events such as this is an important part of everyone’s education. For students in 6th grade at Canton Intermediate School, this experience enhances their awareness and experiences of social action.”

Despite the gloomy forecast, the weather cooperated for the whole event, noted Ryan Cleaves and Abbe Skinner, two 6th grade student volunteers.