![Adding a tray of canned corn to the pile, junior Michael Collop assists in transporting donations for the Holiday Food Drive. The event, hosted schoolwide from Dec. 10-17, raised over 5,000 food items to deliver to the Parkway Food Pantry, helping several families in need. [The drive] is a great thing for us to do because you're giving to those who are less fortunate, and it helps provide for people who can't provide for themselves. [The] competition is always fun, too. It was fun to be in [social studies teacher Jess] Chazen’s class, because he always gets worked up over [the competition]. He made it exciting, and was always convincing us to turn in cans for the drive,” Collop said.](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/feature-photo-unsung-2.png)
![NEW CHALLENGE, NEW TEAM MEMBERS: Every season, VEX creates a new game that robotics team members are faced with and have to build a robot to compete in. This year’s game forces students to create a robot that is able to stack rings onto mobile goals in order to score points. The change in games each season is something that robotics teacher Audrea Moyers appreciates.
“One of the things that I like about VEX is that they have a new problem to solve every year,” she said. ¨Even though the equipment’s the same, they have to analyze the game, and they have to come up with solutions that are unique that year. They are using their knowledge from prior years, but they have to kind of redesign a problem.”
As returning teams were faced a new game, some new teams and members had to adapt to a uncommon playing field and game.
“Three of our four teams were competing for the first time this year, and they had very different experiences match to match, so I think they learned a lot,¨ she said. ¨It’s hard just watching a video online to know how it’s actually going to be in person, so they all learned a lot about what gameplay is like, how to work with an alliance partner [and] how to adapt during the day to changes.”](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG_9283-1-1200x800.jpg)
Bloomfield Hills High School’s Unified Soccer team recently finished its fall season after going undefeated in its three games.
For those unfamiliar with Unified Sports, the goal is to combine students with exceptional needs with general education students on the same team. Everyone has an equal opportunity to participate, learn, and develop new skills as the playing field is leveled. The results are simple: building friendships while competing in sports to grow athletic abilities and be a part of a team. Not only are bonds created, but a long-lasting love for sports and a competitive mindset which can help students approach challenges throughout their daily lives.
Mrs. Scott, a Bloomfield Hills High School physical education teacher, coaches the school’s Unified sports teams. When asked how general education students can get involved in the school’s Unified sports teams, Mrs. Scott said, “There are opportunities to play with us at our games, be bench support, and help athletes get water while subbing them in and out.”
You can still show support even if you are not a team member. Mrs. Scott said, “Our athletes love to be recognized in the hallway, so if you see a Unified athlete, give them a high five or say hi.”
Unified athletes are very passionate about their team. Jerome Ewing, a player for the Unified Soccer team, shared his experience of what the team was like. “It was a lot of fun,” Ewing said. “I was goalie, and I liked blocking the goal.”
Tripp Daughtrey also expressed what it was like to play for the team. “I liked playing defense,” Daughtrey said. “Another player cleated me, but I kept playing the game.”
Tripp’s toughness despite his injury shows the courage that the Unified athletes are developing.
Bloomfield Hills High School’s Unified sports program currently offers soccer and basketball but is looking to add bowling in the near future. Now that the soccer season has ended, the Unified athletes look forward to a successful basketball season in the upcoming months.
Myron Hubert enjoyed playing with the soccer team and scoring goals and said, “I am excited for the basketball season.”
However, the Unified team can only compete at the highest level with fans’ support. It is vital for all Bloomfield High School students and staff to get out and support the Unified athletes. Whether a high hive or a cheer, encouragement will go a long way. Bloomfield Hills High School is extremely fortunate to have a Unified sports program, and Mrs. Scott hopes its impact will bring the general and special education community together. She said, “I hope we can see each other as equals and create more genuine friendships.”
Mrs. Scott also notes how lucky she feels to experience the Unified sports team’s impact on the community, stating, “I will never forget a message I got from an athlete’s Mom. She thanked me for allowing her child to be a part of the Unified team as she never imagined her child would be able to play a sport for his high school.”
Let’s continue to unite as a school community, celebrate our differences, and cherish more friendships through Bloomfield Hills High School’s Unified sports.
This story was originally published on BHHS Today on November 15, 2024.
