What a wonderful opportunity we had today at Kellogg Middle School.
The Special Olympics World Games Torch Run came to KMS for an assembly this afternoon, and it was wonderful.
As our principal Cal Ketchum introduced the assembly, about 30 Special Olympics athletes and Law Enforcement officers from around the world came into the gym, with two members carrying the torch at the front of the group.
Choir Director Joy Persoon, and her "Joybells" started off the assembly singing a beautiful rendition of "The National Anthem. That was the first time I got a bit teary.
AJ Fry, one of the Special Olympics athletes, spoke about becoming an athlete five years ago, and how it changed his life. In the last five years, he has earned over 30 gold medals, 20 or so silver medals, and 4 bronze medals.
Prior to attending the Special Olympics International World Games in Shanghai, China, AJ had this to say:
“I have made many friends, won many gold medals and traveled all over Southern California as a Special Olympics athlete. I get to represent the United States and California in the World Games. What an honor.”
Dave Wuolle, the Kellogg Chief of Police, along with Police Commissioner Merv Hill also spoke and greeted the torch run participants.We sang along as Joy and her "Joybells" sang "Lean on Me", a very appropriate song for these athletes.
At the end, the members of the torch run spread out through the crowd of students, and their photographer took a big group picture.
Could someone hand me a Kleenix please?
