Game on! Students from area schools participate in Wash High’s MInute to Win It Challenge
It was beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the annual Holiday Minute to Win It Challenge at Washington High School.
On Thursday, the gymnasium was filled with nearly 200 students from 13 area high schools who took part in a festive twist on classic Minute to Win It games.
It was the 10th anniversary of the holiday event, organized by Wash High’s Life Skills Support Program for S.T.A.R.S. (Schools Together With Athletes Reaching Success), a partnership of area high schools that aims to unite students with and without physical and intellectual disabilities through athletic and social events that foster inclusion, leadership, and friendship.
“Today was absolutely fantastic. Someone said no matter which way you looked, there were smiles and there was laughter, and that captured today,” said Kellie Ryburn, a Wash High life skills teacher. “This day is all about them. It’s a beautiful day where they’re not on the sidelines, they’re the ones being cheered. They’re fully included, and they are the stars.”
And they did have fun. In all, the students rotated through 22 games – throwing snowballs through a Grinch target, playing a relay game where they used giant candy canes to pass along a large inflatable Christmas ornament, stacking cups, racing inflatable reindeers around cones, and more – while Christmas tunes played and Mr. and Mrs. Claus made an appearance.
Students were grouped with peers from other schools, and teachers and about 35 student volunteers led the games and provided entertainment, wearing inflatable Christmas costumes.
Kyndra Wynn, a Wash High senior, has volunteered for the Holiday Minute to Win It Challenge for four years. As participants threw snowballs into her oversized elf suit, she shared encouragement: “You’re doing great; keep going!” she said.
“I love being a part of this. “I think the kids have a lot of fun, and it really brings the holiday spirit,” said Wynn.
Freshman Piper Roberts said other students who volunteered in the past “said it’s a lot of fun,” and was happy to serve as a volunteer.
“I really like meeting all the new people today and bringing joy to them, and to see them having fun,” said Roberts. “I want them to know that even if we’re all different, we’re all equal. I really want to have a positive impact on the kids and for them to have fun.”
Kara Pappas, South Fayette High School life skills and autistic support teacher, said participants look forward to the event every year.
“We’ve been coming to this for a long time, and the kids love it,” said Pappas. “They love playing the games and they love coming and meeting their friends from other schools. A lot of them know each other already from Special Olympics sports, so it’s fun for them to see each other out at other events.”
The event also has gotten community support, with local businesses and restaurants donating to provide lunch and snacks – a delicious spread including everything from hoagies and chicken wings to popcorn and Christmas cookies – and to help cover expenses for the challenge.
Said Ryburn, “We could not have provided the excellent lunch without community support and the businesses and organizations that stepped up. It takes a village, and we couldn’t be more thankful for the support we have gotten from the local community.”
Participating schools included Canon-McMillan, Thomas-Jefferson, Upper St. Clair, South Fayette, McGuffey, Keystone Oaks, Peters Township, Trinity, Baldwin and Elizabeth Forward.
Wash High freshman Amelia Walters was happy to be a part of what has become a Wash High Christmas tradition.
“I’m having so much fun right now. I love helping kids,” said Walters. “I think everybody gets the experience of meeting new people, and it’s a chance for everyone to expand their horizons. I’m so glad I got to do this.”