Finley Students Medal at
Special Olympics
A group of talented students "graduated" from J. Taylor Finley Middle School in a blaze of glory after stand-out performances in this year's Long Island Special Olympics competition.
The teenagers, who will be members of Huntington High School's freshman class this fall, will always remember what they accomplished on the track one weekend day at Cold Spring Harbor High School, where family, friends and Huntington teachers cheered them on at the prestigious event.
Huntington students Charytin Ortiz, Liam Mrotzek, John Cronin, Nicholas Smyth, and John Manaker won their fair share of medals in an assortment of events. It was a very special day in the lives of the young athletes.
Glenn Manaker, a Huntington School District parent who is heavily with the Special Olympics program on the state level, approached Linda Costello-Roth, the district's special education chairperson for grades 4-8, about putting together a team of Finley students for the LI regional competition.
"I asked Chris Hender, a teacher at Woodhull [Intermediate School], if he would be interested and he jumped at the opportunity to help out," Mrs. Costello-Roth said. Erica Murphy, the students' teacher at Finley also worked with the team.
Finley physical education teacher Mary Paar conducted workouts that were tailored to the specific events the students would be participating in. At the actual competition, which was held on the Cold Spring Harbor High School campus, Huntington High School volunteers Frank Caravetto, Shamus Mrotzek, Hannah Helstrom and Kaitlin Millner provided the Finley team with support and encouragement.
Retired Finley physical education Steve Davis was also on hand to coach, cajole and congratulate the Huntington contingent. Mr. Davis contributes many hours of time each year to the Special Olympics and the young athletes appreciate his presence.
"I started very small in order for the event to be a success for our students," Mrs. Costello-Roth said. "I am hoping to expand it in the upcoming year and am looking for students, staff, parents and anyone else who might be interested in participating."
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