Inclusion in action

In celebration of the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, students at Haine Elementary and Middle School welcomed former Paralympians, adaptive athletes and student leaders on Tuesday, March 3, for an unforgettable, hands-on experience as part of the school’s annual Respect Campaign — a celebration of inclusion, diversity and the unifying power of sport. 

Former Paralympians Dan McCoy and Jeff Hantz joined players from the Mighty Penguins Sled Hockey team and Haine Middle School students to conduct a day filled with inspiring stories, interactive demonstrations and meaningful connections. Throughout the day, students rotated through engaging learning stations where they participated in dynamic presentations and activities centered on inclusion, diversity and adaptive athletics. 

Mr. McCoy, Paralympic gold medalist, shared his journey competing on the U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team in 2014. Mr. Hantz spoke about representing the United States in men’s discus throw and javelin during the 2004 Paralympic Games in Greece, offering students a firsthand look at the dedication, perseverance and resilience required to compete on the world stage.

Students also had the opportunity to experience adaptive athletics themselves. Players from the Mighty Penguins Sled Hockey team, Seneca Valley freshman Mitchell Everly and junior Braden Ernhardt introduced students to sled hockey before inviting them to try the sport using scooters and adapted hockey sticks designed for gym floors. Adding to the excitement, members of the Seneca Valley varsity hockey team assisted at each station, helping facilitate activities and small games while serving as positive peer role models.

Haine Middle School students who are leaders in Best Buddies also presented engaging bocce demonstrations, building on last year’s successful partnership and expanding the school’s commitment to celebrating different abilities through sport. After learning the game, students helped create an “Inclusion Chain,” writing heartfelt messages of acceptance and encouragement that will be displayed throughout the school.

The event was organized by Haine Health and Physical Education teachers, Ashley Salman and Tyler Mesisca.

“This event was special because it intentionally connected our PE curriculum to the real world,” said Ms. Salman. “Tyler and I wanted our students to see inclusion beyond the gym walls. And through Unified Bocce, Mighty Pens Sled Hockey, and learning from Paralympians like Dan McCoy and Jeff Hantz, they experienced that connection firsthand.”

Ms. Salman added, “Our middle school bocce coaches stepped into meaningful leadership roles, teaching skills, encouraging younger students, and modeling respect while our SV hockey players strengthened communication, teamwork, and mentorship skills by creating an environment where everyone could succeed. It became more than a PE lesson; it was a real-world example of inclusion, leadership and belonging in action.” 

The excitement of the day was contagious as students moved from station to station, with one student exclaiming, “This is the best day ever!”