Lemont High School Special Olympics Team Shines at Regional Event

The following article was submitted by Lemont High School.

Nine students from Lemont High School's Special Olympics team racked up 15 top-five finishes at a regional competition at Thornwood High School on May 4. 

Prior to the regional event, the team met for practice once a week after spring break. To kick off the regional, the team received a police escort from the parking lot to the highway.

Freshman Justin Fischer won two events, finishing first in both the tennis ball throw and the 50 meter run. Sophomore Nick Giedraitis won the 100 meter run and was second in the tennis ball throw. Junior Becka Konicki won her division of the tennis ball throw and was second in the 100 meter run.

Junior AJ Forzley won his event in the 100 meter run, and also was fifth in the softball throw. Freshman Isaac Ziebell finished second in the tennis ball throw and fourth in the 50 meter run, while freshman Darrin Nickleski was third in both the 50 meter run and the softball throw.

Sophomore Brian Leahy was third in the tennis ball throw and fourth in the 100 meter run, while sophomore David Szperlak was third in the softball throw. Sophomore Kevin Madera also competed for Lemont.

These student-athletes and coach Margie Pilarski had a lot of support. Several students from Jenna Peterson's Child Development class assisted, including seniors Lizzy Melvin and Eddy Sinovich, and sophomores Hailey McCastland, Ashlee Mitoraj and Emily Saldana. Freshman Kevin Leahy and junior Emily Durham also volunteered their time.

Many teachers, staff members and community members helped out the team at the event, including social worker Krissy Bergles; Special Education administrative assistant Maureen Breskey; special education teacher Stephenie Campanile; Director of Special Education Services Dr. Christi Flores; special education aide Wendy Frantal; head guidance counselor and football coach Eric Michaelsen and his wife, Kim; social studies teacher Joe Rodeghero; and dean's secretary Kathie Vabalaitis.

The team would like to thank Bob from Tag Sports, who donated team t-shirts and hats; Scott Duensing for making the hand-held LHS signs; Eric Michaelsen for the team football shirts; John Young for the LHS athletic apparel; and Chief Shaughnessy and the Lemont Police Department for the escort.