The spirit of triumph and perseverance filled the field at Antelope Valley High School today as students with special needs from across the district competed in the annual Overcoming Obstacles track meet. Surrounded by other students, parents, and supporters, the athletes showed incredible grit and determination as they participated in sprints, relays, jumps, and throwing events throughout the morning.

For many of these students, this is a significant opportunity to show off their sportsmanship and athleticism. They have spent weeks practicing for the meet, and the culmination of their hard work was shown all over the track.

Overcoming Obstacles founder and Knight Prep Academy Vice Principal John Najar said his past experience as a physical education teacher was a catalyst for the creation of this event. He saw that the pre-vocational students wanted to participate and play just as the other students did, so he created an inclusive opportunity to bring them all together to compete like the general education population of students.

“I chose a track and field theme because as you can see out here, we have events where if students are immobile, they’re in wheelchairs, they can still through a tennis ball. They can still be a part of it,” Najar said.

While the students themselves showed immense strength and will power during their races and other events, their victories were also shared silently by their teachers and aids who stood alongside them as they prepared for the meet.

“Seeing the school spirit and the excitement and great enthusiasm for our student. Students in their  events. The effort is rewarded and so many of our students are also natural athletes,” said pre-vocational teacher Krisy Reuter.

Paraeducator Emily Ferguson said this event is important as students have overcome many obstacles throughout the year, both academically and physically. It gives them the opportunity to show off their abilities while showcasing the special education department and their their efforts towards diversity and inclusion.

Student volunteers also lent a hand, facilitating events and handing out water to competitors as they waited between races. Senior Julian Lomeli says this event is something the community looks forward to all year.

“For our students to be able to connect both with each other and also with the community is one of the  most important things that we as educators can bring into the space and the Overcoming Obstacles does a fantastic job of doing that,” said Lomeli.

Loud cheers from the crowds in the stands and on the fields filled the afternoon as event winners were announced at the meet’s conclusion. Members from all schools celebrated the feats of the day’s talented athletes.

“For our students to be able to connect both with each other and also with the community is one of the  most important things that we as educators can bring into the space,” said Pete Knight Vice Principal of Special Education Rozmy Miranda. “Overcoming Obstacles does a fantastic job of doing that.”

Check out the list of first place winners:

• Boys Assisted 50 Yard: Jesse Angel, Lancaster
• Girls Assisted 50 Yard: Jessica Talbert, Eastside
• Boys 50 Yard: Skyler Gleason, Palmdale
• Girls 50 Yard: Star Armand, Lancaster
• Boys 75 Yard: Jaylen Taylor, Highland
• Girls 75 Yard: Khi Wright, Lancaster
• Boys 100 Yard: Jobari Douglas, Palmdale
• Girls 100 Yard: Mariah Alvarez, Eastside
• Boys 200 Yard: Ryan Hayden, Palmdale
• Girls 200 Yard: Keauna Johnson, Knight
• Boys Tennis Ball Throw Division 3: Glenford Reneau, Highland
• Girls Tennis Ball Throw Division 3: Bronisha Howard, Quartz Hill
• Boys Tennis Ball Throw Division 2: Jason Reyes, Antelope Valley
• Girls Tennis Ball Throw Division 2: Grace Alexander, Palmdale
• Boys Tennis Ball Throw Division 1: Jordan Smith Kilpatrick, Highland
• Girls Tennis Ball Throw Division 1: Jaymya Burnside, Highland
• Boys Running Long Jump: Erick Heredia, Palmdale
• Girls Running Long Jump: Royaltee Lynch, Lancaster
• Boys Standing Long Jump: Ali Pahlevan, Lancaster
• Girls Standing Long Jump: Chimiere Knight, Eastside
• 8×50 Co-Ed Relay Race: Highland
• 4×100 Co-Ed Relay Race: Antelope Valley
• Overall Winner: Palmdale