Unified sports seniors celebrated

Four seniors who were a part of the start of the Unified sports program at Bellport High School will be graduating this June. They were celebrated at the last home game on Thursday, May 21.

Seniors Jacob Furino, Logan Busch, Amy Santana, and James Olivant were there from the beginning of when they started Unified sports at Bellport High School and participated in all four years.

“It’s a very special group who will be leaving. I truly believe they made such an impact since they started Unified sports from the beginning and will now be graduating,” said Jacob’s mom, Laura Braun. “What they leave behind is a place where special-needs students can participate in sports with their general education peers. I feel this group is so special because they opened the doors for future students to participate.”

Prior to 2023, the students did not have a lot of options in regard to sports and being part of a team. The group officially started the Unified basketball team, which is an inclusive sports program, in 2023. The team is coached by Coach Kellerman and Coach Grossi, as well as assistant coach Mrs. Wilson.

Unified sports programs bring general education students and special-education students together to train and compete against other high school Unified teams. The ratio of general ed and special ed for each team on the court is 2 to 3. The program is designed to help build friendships among players, break social barriers, and allow a space for all skill levels to participate.

“I loved playing basketball with all my friends and having the crowd go nuts when I played defense and made 3-point shots,” Jacob said. “I also liked asking Avery to prom at a home game.  Senior Day was special because I got to run out of the tunnel with my friends because we are graduating. I had so much fun with everyone. I will miss everyone and playing basketball for high school.”

“My favorite part of being on the team was making baskets,” said Logan. “The Senior Day was so special because I got to run out of the tunnel. That was fun.”

“I loved being around my friends,” added Amy.

“I loved playing defense and shooting hoops,” said James. “What made Senior Day so special was getting my poster and running through the tunnel because it was new and shows that I’m graduating.”