Nebo's Special Education Students and Maple Mountain High Team Up

On April 27, 2011, Maple Mountain High School and Nebo Districts Special Education held the first annual Nebo Superstars Track and Field Day for students in our special needs units around the district. This event provided an opportunity for special needs students to participate in athletic events and to be honored for their abilities and effort. Athletes from Maple Mountain served as buddies and mentors during the events which included 50, 100, 200 and 400 meter races, a 400 meter wheelchair race, long jump, high jump and softball throw.

Nebo School District’s special education director, J. Lynn Jones, said, "I loved seeing high school students ‘buddy up’ with our elementary and junior high special needs students. I saw a lot of determined competitors and mostly great smiles. Special thanks to Dave Boyack and all of the administrators, teachers, staff, and students from Maple Mountain High School for making this possible."

Dave Boyack, Maple Mountain High athletic director, proposed starting an annual meet and was responsible for planning the event.

“This was a great opportunity for the kids at Maple Mountain High physical education and athletic departments to serve these incredible kids in Nebo School District.  It was exciting to see the smiles on the faces of the participants.  We look forward to helping out again next year,” said Boyack.

Students, teachers and parents who participated were all pleased with the opportunity for growth as well as a good time.

“One of my students said it was the best field trip ever!  And we go on lots of field trips. It was really fun for my students to see some of their friends from other classes,” stated Karla Peterson, Mapleton Elementary teacher.

“We were so excited to be involved in the track meet! There was a wonderful spirit of camaraderie among all participants. I feel so LUCKY to have been there and so thrilled to be in this profession,” said Mijken Hall, Brookside Elementary teacher.