Vestavia Hills High School Students Win Big At Special Olympics

VESTAVIA HILLS, AL — As Vestavia Hills High School special education teach Jennifer Greer puts it, when you play one Rebel, you play them all. Some of the high school's students with disabilities competed in The Over the Mountain Track and Field Special Olympic Games in Trussville, and brought home more than a little hardware.

"Special Olympics helps build their confidence on the track and in real life," Greer said. "It pushes my students to excel—it’s all about their ability not disability."

Before the event, VHHS held a Parade of Champions, where the band, cheerleaders, majorettes, dance team, color guard and many of the students came out to support the athletes. (For more updates on this story and free news alerts for your neighborhood, sign up for your local Birmingham Patch morning newsletter.)

Anna Bishop placed first in the 50 meter assisted walk and first in the tennis ball throw.

Grace Davis placed first in the softball throw and fourth in the 100 meter dash.

Jonathan Fuentes placed second in the softball throw.

David Harrison placed second in the 50 meter assisted walk and second in the tennis ball throw.

Marie Huner placed second in the 50 meter assisted walk and third in the softball throw.

Jamarkese Moore placed first in the 4x100 boys relay, second in the 50 meter dash and second in the softball throw.

Daniel Morson placed first in the 4x100 boys relay, second in the 100 meter dash and third in the running long jump.

Darshan Patel place first in 25 meter assisted walk and third in the tennis ball throw. Patel's win was particularly special — though he normally requires a wheelchair, Patel completed the assisted walk with a walker.

Philip Peddy placed third in the softball throw and third in the standing long jump.

Jacob Pratt, who went viral earlier this year for his touchdown run in the football team's season opener, placed first in the 4x100 boys relay, first in the shot put and third in the 100 meter dash.

Spencer Rocheleau placed first in the 50 meter assisted walk and third in the tennis ball throw.

Davis Spain placed first in the 4x100 boys relay, first in the 100 meter dash, and first in the softball throw.

Virginia Strong placed first in the 50 meter dash and second in the softball throw.

Wilson Taylor placed first in the 100 meter dash and third in the softball throw.

Morgan Thomas placed first in the 50 meter dash and second in the softball throw.

Philip Trawick placed first in the 400 meter race and second in the softball throw.

Harrison Washington placed first in the 50 meter dash and first in the standing long jump.

Ian Waugh placed first in the softball throw and third in the 200 meter race.

Garret Vance placed first in the shot put and second in the 50 meter dash.

Photo Courtesy of Jennifer Greer