The entire Highland Huskies Special Olympics team qualified for States, which allowed them to represent Highland Central School District and the Hudson Valley region at The Special Olympics New York Summer Games in June at Vassar College. The team was among approximately 1,500 athletes and coaches who traveled from around the state to compete in a variety of summer sports.

Highland athletes, along with coaches Domonique Felicello and Nick Cooper, started the weekend off with a celebratory dinner at Vassar College on June 14. Studio One, a salon in New Paltz, donated their services and pampered the students in preparation for the event. Opening Games began on June 15. Highland led the parade, carrying the Hudson Valley region banner alongside Vassar College President Elizabeth Bradley and Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro.

Students proudly sported Husky uniforms, which were donated by the Highland Rotary Club, as they competed in the various challenges. Each team member from Highland earned a medal for their event, which was an impressive feat. The wins were as follows: Jasmine Sullivan, gold medals, 50 meter and softball throw; Toby Meisel, gold medal, turbojav; Jonaah Super, gold medal, softball throw; Katie Cruz, silver and gold medals, 50 meter and softball throw; Isabella Reid, silver medal, softball throw; Eric Fernandes, silver medal, turbojav; and Tyler Chorvas, gold and bronze medals, softball throw and 50 meter.

Felicello is thankful for the families, friends, and Highland administration for all of their support throughout the year. “Coach Cooper and I are so proud of our athletes and the amount of determination and dedication they have,” stated Felicello. “We truly are a Husky family.” The team qualified for the National level and will attend the event in Disneyland in June 2022.