KERSHAW COUNTY, S.C. — Students in Kershaw County helped make Halloween special for Special Olympics athletes.
“This is a way for them to have fun dressing up and wearing costumes,” said Ashley Middleton, Special Olympics Liaison at Lugoff-Elgin High School.
Middleton is the driving force behind this Halloween extravaganza at Lugoff-Elgin High School, which filled the day with pumpkin carving, dazzling decorations, and face painting that could rival any magical spell.
What’s even more enchanting? Almost 60 high school students from three different schools volunteered to be paired with 60 Special Olympics student-athletes, becoming their 'buddies.'
Just like Maddie Rhodes and her friend, Ari.
“This is Ari, we’re best friends Right?,” Rhodes said.
“Right!” Ari said back.
It’s a day Rhodes has been anticipating.
“I’ve been looking forward to it all week," Rhodes said. "I’ve been really excited about, I’ve been telling her we’ve been preparing all week, finding costumes ... it’s like my favorite thing to do ever,” Rhodes said.
Middleton said the event isn't just about costumes and candy, it's also about crafting cherished memories.
“So, when we come together with all three schools, we’re making that happen. So, they are having a better high school experience for kids with and without intellectual disabilities to be friends and have a good time,” Middleton said.
They also crowned the top three best pumpkins from the different schools as well as the top three best costumes for both male and female students.