What a way to spend the day at school.
That was the experience students and staff from Bridgewater-Raritan High School enjoyed at the first Unified Fall Fest on Wednesday, October 7, at the Iron Peak Sports & Events complex in Hillsborough.
The picturesque rural setting of Hillsborough was the scene of the Somerset County Unified Sports organization's inaugural Fall Fest, a lively carnival that attracted students and staff from schools throughout Somerset County.
Bridgewater-Raritan High School was proudly represented by 24 students and three devoted staff members—Special Education Teachers Cynthia Wong, Kyle Murphy and Rhonda Spencer.
The students participate in a wide assortment of games and activities while music played all under a sunny blue sky and in the parking lot of this large sports complex.
This fin-filled festival was the brainchild of Brett Stibitz, a teacher at the Somerset County Educational Services Commission in Bridgewater.
“I woke up one day and said, ' Why not do this?’ revealed Stibitz, who also serves as an assistant coach on the highly successful football program at Bridgewater-Raritan High School.
So how much fun did the party from Bridgewater-Raritan High School have?
“What a great day,” said senior Brady Baxter, who is the President of the Unified Social Club at Bridgewater-Raritan High School.
He not only enjoyed the games and rides, but he also took time to admire the fortitude of his fellow schoolmates.
“This event gave a lot of us a chance to play with things that we never did,” said Baxter, who plays on the Unified Basketball Team and Flag Football Team at Bridgewater-Raritan High School. Baxter said.
Baxter watched his schoolmates climb an inflatable slide, reaching the top after falling on previous attempts.
“They would fall down, but they wouldn’t stop until they got to the top. It was a challenge, but they never gave up.’
Ms. Wong, who is also the dedicated coach of the Bridgewater-Raritan High School Unified Basketball Team, was impressed by the entire setting.
"The Unified Fall Fest was an outstanding event hosted by the Somerset County Unified Sports organization—a fantastic way to launch another year of Unified at Bridgewater-Raritan High School,” she declared.
She further shared her passionate thoughts about the day.
“Partners and peers connected, made new friends from other schools, and had a blast trying out obstacle courses, rides, and games. The positive vibes were off the charts all day long. We are so excited for the year ahead and can't wait to attend again next year,” Ms. Wong said.
She shared her gratitude.
“Huge thanks to Connor Scott (Supervisor of Special Services at the high school) and Bill Deniz (Athletic Director at the high school), and the administration for their support in making today possible.”
Baxter concluded.
"It was a ton of fun."