Challenge Day Gets Reinvented to the Delight of Students

Stormy weather forced the cancellation of this year’s Challenge Day at Calhoun High School in Bellmore much to the disappointment of a Blue Devil team of students who was eagerly anticipating competing in the big event. So, the Huntington students in the life skills classes of teachers Alyssa German and Kelly Trites stayed on campus for their own very special event.

Last spring, Calhoun was the scene of standout performances and outright heroics by a team of 17 Huntington High School athletes who laid it on the line against nearly 700 competitors from about 20 high schools.

The Bellmore-Merrick Challenge, is an annual field day of fun activities designed to make connections between students from across the county. The district has been hosting this competition for nearly two decades. It provides an opportunity for special needs students to have fun, develop their strengths and socialize with students from nearby districts.

“For the past year, students and staff look forward to participating in Bellmore-Merrick’s Challenge Day, a beloved tradition where special education classes from across the county gather at Calhoun High School for a day of fun, friendship and field day events,” explained Huntington High School physical education teacher Lauren Blackburn. “Unfortunately, this year’s event was cancelled due to rain, but that didn’t stop Huntington High School from keeping the spirit alive.”

Determined to give their students a memorable experience, Huntington staff quickly organized an adapted version of Challenge Day right on the high school campus. Students participated in stations of track and field, corn hold, kanjam, mini golf, target toss, and cup stacking.

“The event offered students the opportunity to engage in friendly competition, build confidence and celebrate one another with the support of the Unified Physical Education class,” said Ms. Blackburn, who helped develop the Unified PE course and coaches the Unified bowling and Unified bocce teams.

“Though the original Challenge Day could not go on as planned, Huntington’s reimagined version reminded everyone that it’s not just about the location of the event; it’s about the celebration and joy of our students,” Ms. Blackburn said.