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[ Reprinted from school district digital newsletter, Let's Talk Tuesday.]
Recently, Hope Community Church in Gilbertsville welcomed Life-Skills Support and Autistic Support student-athletes from across the district to the 2025 Bear Challenge. Our Bear Challenge, was founded by Mrs. Bennet, BASD Physical Therapist, when the local Special Olympics event were disbanded.
Since that time, Mrs. Bennett has worked tirelessly to provide our student-athletes, their families, and our staff with an incredible day of activities, fun, and memories that has become one of the most anticipated days of the school year for all!
Teachers, student-athletes, student volunteers, paraprofessionals, nurses, therapists, parents, siblings, community sponsors, donors, administrators and more come together bringing Mrs. Bennett's vision to life for all involved. It is a rich and rewarding experience and we cannot thank everyone enough for the generosity of their time, talent, and compassion!
This year's event did bring one exception to the rules ~ it truly was bittersweet as we said our goodbyes to Mrs. Bennett who will be leaving to begin her much deserved retirement. Before the days event's, parents, teachers, and administrators took the time to thank her for her years of service and remarkable dedication to Bear Challenge on behalf of all those who participate. The IMPACT of this event is far reaching and will continue for lifetimes to come.