Once a year, special needs students from Jackson public schools are treated to a day of fun and games, thanks to The Boy Scouts of America, St. Mary’s and Sacred Heart of Jesus schools.
A Day of Champions, held at the Farmer’s Market in downtown Jackson, was filled with games and laughter from dozens of kids who had a play day with student volunteers.
Sacred Heart principal Adam Rust says community service hours are required of students, however, “the students know that they are loved by the teachers and administration and ultimately by God and it is wonderful to see them share that love with other kids.”
Sacred Heart and St. Mary’s provided around ninety volunteer students to help with cornhole games, bowling, art and other activities. It’s the first year to resume the Day of Champions since the Covid-19 pandemic.
The event is an ongoing project of the Boy Scouts, according to Scout Leader Misty Croom, with the goal of making sure all kids have the chance to be included in fun with other kids and that they are part of an organization.
“Over the years I have seen Scouts who really grew from the experience of realizing that all
kids don’t have the ability to run and play and do things that they’re able to do, or that some don’t have friends they can play with. They learn patience and compassion.”
