The 3rd Annual “A Hero for Heroes” event was held on Saturday, April 6. . High School Flex teacher and Special Olympics Coach Domonique Felicello collaborated with Special Olympics Coach Nick Cooper and Police Officer Ryan Bulson to put on this amazing event.

Officers from the Town of Lloyd Police Department, New Paltz Police Department,SUNY New Paltz Police Department, New York State Police and Ulster County Sheriff’s office all came together to participate in this year’s “A Hero for Heroes” event.

The morning started off with a police parade, where Special Olympic athletes and their families had the opportunity to meet and greet the officers. Athletes had the opportunity to get in the authentic police vehicles to learn and explore. Following the parade was both a K9 and the Drone exhibit in which students learned valuable lessons about their heroes.

It was a special treat to have New York State Trooper, Joseph Alma and his K9 police dog; Jaki, completing demonstrations as well as New York State Trooper, Stephen Sawyer demonstrating the use of drones in keeping our community safe. At the conclusion of the K9 and Drone exhibit, the Special Olympic athletes completed an obstacle course designed by Coaches Felicello and Cooper, in which the use of shields and handcuffs where incorporated in the Special Olympic tactical training events. The athletes were paired with an officer to work as partners to complete the course.

The event encourages teamwork and being “brave in your attempt”, a mantra of the Special Olympics. Coach Felicello also had t-shirts created for each officer and athlete to wear while completing the course. The participating police departments provided the t-shirts. Coach Felicello would like to thank all the teachers, custodians, administrators and families that came to help and support the event. Special thank you to AP Ryan Judge and Mr. Geller, who helped the high school Olympians navigate the course on Saturday. Prizes were awarded to this year’s fastest time, Jonaah Super and Officer Tyler Pece.

A Hero for Heroes event is a very rewarding experience as we witness the wonderful effect community spirit can have on us all! Coach Felicello and Coach Cooper will be continuing to practice with the Highland Husky Special Olympic athletes to prepare them for the Spring Special Olympic games at West Point on Saturday May 4th. Go Huskies!

The Starlab experience
Our Elementary students have loved visiting the Starlab experience in the library last week!

Starlab is a portable, inflatable planetarium that taught the students about constellations and other interesting Outer Space information!

Thank you HES PTA for providing this experience!

Hudson Valley Hospice: Making Every Moment Count
The Hudson Valley Hospice will be visiting the Highland Public Library on Thursday, April 18 from 6-7 p.m. to deliver an informative talk on hospice care.
You will learn to dispel the myths associated with “hospice.”

Learn what you need to know now, before a crisis and to think about advance care planning using tools to help talk to your loved ones

For more information please call: Hudson Valley Hospice at 485-2273 or visit their website.

Huskies 5K Challenge
The Highland Middle School PTA is organizing a fundraiser which is a 5k running/walking event on the Hudson Valley Rail Trail again this year.

This year’s event will take place on Thursday, May 2 at 5:30 p.m. at the Hudson Valley Rail Trail at the 101 New Paltz Rd in Highland. It will benefit the Highland Middle School PTA.

Highland students are admitted or free. All others will pay $15 in advance or $20 on race day. The first 80 paid entries will receive a free race T-shirt. Al remaining t-shirts will be distributed on race day, on a first-come, first served basis.

Highland Spring Fest
Highland Spring Fest is seeking artisan vendors to showcase their talent on May 18 from 11-8pm in the town center. Please visit highlandspringfest.com to fill out an application.

More Important Dates to Remember:

• April 22 – HCSD Closed “Snow Day Give Back Day”
• April 27 – United Methodist Church Vendor Blender Event
• April 27 – Highland Babe Ruth Baseball/Softball Opening Day
• April 29 – HES “Five Guys” Dinner Fundraiser
• May 18 – Spring Fest in the Hamlet
• May 19 – “Shop Local” Vendor Event
• May 24 & 28 – HCSD Closed “Snow Day Give Back Days”
• May 27 – HCSD Closed in Obervance of Memorial Day

As always, any and all news is welcome, as are photos. Do you have a special accomplishment, birthday, anniversary or great news you can’t wait to share about yourself, family or business/organization? You can reach me at mrskendraelliot@gmail.com or give me a call at 706-9582.