By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–The sidewalks on the backside of Helena Intermediate School were lined with students sporting posters, banners and other encouraging messages to cheer on their classmates competing in the Shelby County School District Special Olympics competition on Wednesday, March 23.

Helena Intermediate had nine students compete in the Special Olympics at Calera High School that including events such as running, a softball and tennis ball throw, shot put, standing long jump, running long jump and more.

Before the students left to compete in the games, they first were treated to a special send-off before boarding the bus to Calera.

“This was the second year we did the send-off and it was even bigger and better this time,” said HIS Special Education teacher Carmon Jackson, who works with the special education students on a daily basis. “The other students created a variety of posters and signs and they’re just so supporting and loving of the kids. They just really care and are overall just good role models.”

Adrian, Landon, Ashlyn, Gianna, Robbie, Roland, Kyler, Jaycob and Shawn were all thrilled to see the support from classmates and many had smiles on their faces when they saw posters that read things like “Y’all are the best go Huskies!” or “You can do it, great job.”

Along with the signs, each student competing was called out individually on a megaphone before making their way down the sidewalk, receiving high fives and applause.

Jackson has taught at HIS for 14 years and gave a lot of credit to the school administration and the paraeducators who work with her and the kids each day.

“I’m just really thankful to our administration and Mrs. Paiml and Mrs. Holcombe because they have been very supportive this whole time,” said Jackson. “I want to give a lot of credit to our paraeducators Tracy Thompson and Nicki McAbee as well because I’ve worked with them for years and they’re also with the kids all-day, everyday helping.”