Special event caps school year for special students at Flint Holmes STEM Academy

FLINT, Michigan—Students with unique needs will be celebrated during a Champions of Excellence event at Holmes STEM Academy, capping the end of the school year and creating a first-ever event for Flint Community Schools. 

Champions of Excellence is similar to the Special Olympics with games and friendly competitions, each adapted to students’ individual needs. More than 100 students already have registered for the June 7 event. 

Champions of Excellence is a branch initiative of the Illuminating Community Change Safety Grant and active collaboration between Brownell-Holmes Neighborhood Association, North Flint Action Council, Hamilton Community Health Network, Crim Fitness Foundation, Neighborhood Engagement Hub, and Applewood.  

Jeanette Edwards, member of Brownell-Holmes Neighborhood Association and head coordinator of Champions of Excellence, says the event is aimed towards making children of special ed feel acknowledged, celebrated, and free to play in the sun. Every competitive activity will be tailored for the unique needs of the children.

“Just because you’re in a special room or you have a learning disability or physical disability, nice things can happen for you,” said Edwards.

Designed for children ages 5 to 13, the event starts at 12:30 with lunch and includes a bounce house, potato sack race, bean bag toss, football toss, a hula hoop contest, and games of tug of war.  

“I truly want them to feel like it’s their day,” said Edwards. “They need a day to be saluted. They will always remember that. Even when they’re grown, they will remember that.” 

For more information or to volunteer, contact Jeanette Edwards at (810) 835-9357