North Star helps at All-Star Showdown

Students enter for the recent All-Star Showdown at the Miracle League diamond.

Student-leaders from Amherstburg’s North Star High School had the opportunity to meet some new friends recently.

At the Libro Centre’s Miracle League baseball diamond they were part of the Greater Essex County District School Board’s All-Star Showdown which matched the leadership students with special education students from across the region.

Two different programs were highlighted last week, Giving Attention to Individual Needs (GAINS) and Skills to Enhance Personal Success (STEPS) were the foundation for baseball games and a day of fun.

North Star Grade 12 student Isiah Rusenstrom is well known in the area for his ability on the basketball and volleyball courts but last week he was manning his position at first base on the Miracle League diamond.

“This is not just fun, it’s personally rewarding,” said Rusenstrom.

Rusenstrom was the recipient of last year’s Spirit Award at the school and explained that the leadership program at the high school gives students an opportunity to go into the elementary schools and reach out to those individuals with special needs.

“In Grade 12, students register for this class. We do all kinds of activities like this and they get to lead different groups,” said North Star teacher Lisa Voakes.

The local school board’s GAINS program is designed to support those students who have complex learning skills and inspires them to achieve their full potential.

STEPS is community-based and is uniquely suited to each student’s strengths and needs.

“They work within their schools to get ready for today. They set up equipment and we do a celebration of their abilities,” said Bianca Rota who is the school board’s special education coordinator.

Last week was National Accessibility Week and those student-athletes that came from several different schools including representatives of the Anderdon Mustangs were swinging for the fences and running the bases.

North Star students showed their support when the ball players arrived as they  had set up welcoming banners, a greeting line and had ‘take me out to the ball game’, playing on the speakers.

“They do all the activities and get to be leaders in their community,” noted Rota.

North Star helps at All-Star Showdown

By Fred Groves