By Dustin Nuckels
Inclusion and acceptance of others are concepts that are important to teach our youth, especially those climbing through their awkward teenage years during high school. This period in a young persons’ life can be filled with uncertainties, drama, and an overall sense of anxiety.
Teens begin to worry about how they look, their social standing, and how they are perceived by others. One group of students that faces all the above challenges on an even larger scale is students with disabilities. This cohort of students can unfortunately be cast to the side in the climate of the average American high school. Not at Viera High School in Viera Florida, however. Not on Nancy Lynch’s watch.
Nancy Lynch is an ESE (Exceptional Student Education) teacher at Viera High School as well as the sponsor of the “Hawk Buddies”, a club that provides opportunities for students of all abilities to form authentic friendships with peers. The Hawk Buddies coordinate the “Viera High School Costume Kickball Game”, an event that takes places annually around Halloween at the Space Coast Stadium at the USSSA Space Coast Complex. The concept of the event is simple, a kickball game for students to have fun, but the impact it has is widespread.
The beauty of this kickball game is not the competition, not the athletic performance, or even the venue, but rather the comradery. Over 50 students in total dressed up in their favorite costume for a night of fun. Not only is this game comprised of students with special needs, but also student athletes, specifically Viera High School softball players who know their way around a diamond. These student athletes assist students with disabilities during the game, helping them navigate their way around the bases, throw the ball to the appropriate base, and lead the cheer when someone scores a run.
Every sprint to first base, every throw, and every trip around the bases is a celebratory moment. Each student dressed in their Halloween costume not worrying about their appearance, who sees them, or what may be happening in the background on their social media platforms. Something as simple as kickball can unite those who live with vastly different circumstances.
Looking on from the stands at the fun is another group that deserves recognition. The parents and families of students with disabilities. As they cheered loudly during the entire game core family memories were being made. They had the opportunity to connect with other parents that have the same shared experiences and to see their child interact with others and grow. This event truly impacted so many.
Once school was back in session it may seem likes business as usual, but I’m willing to bet the halls of Viera High School are a more inclusive place thanks to the daily work of Nancy Lynch as well as the Costume Kickball Game. I can picture the fist-bumps and “hellos” taking place at school that wouldn’t have happened otherwise. I imagine the social barriers being broken as other students see student athletes and students with disabilities interacting.
The Viera High School Costume Kickball brought each individual closer and afforded an opportunity to celebrate the feeling of togetherness. While the scoreboard read zeros, and there was no defined winner or loser, everyone left with a full heart knowing that each of us needs all of us. People are more than what the eyes can see, and there’s more to learn behind the mask.
