On September 26, 2025, Woodland High School hosted the Unified Fall Games, bringing together students from every elementary school in Dorchester School District Four. The day gave children with and without disabilities a chance to take part in Special Olympics fall sports and Unified play. Stations featured soccer, flag football, bocce, and golf, with Woodland High students stepping up as volunteers to guide and encourage the younger athletes.
The event was organized by Julia Drum, Secondary Coordinator of the Department of Exceptional Children (DEC). Director of Exceptional Children Monica Tudder praised her leadership, saying, “First and foremost, Mrs. Drum, YOU ROCK! You always put together an amazing and well-organized event! Everyone represented their schools with enthusiasm and pride! The kids (and adults) had a great time! It was wonderful to hear the laughter and see the smiles.” Tudder also thanked the DEC staff for setting up, hauling, and running the stations, as well as Nurses Simmons and Broad, who handled what she described as the busiest day of nursing support for Special Olympics events yet.
Support for the games stretched across the Woodland community. Assistant Principal Mr. Charpia was visible and supportive throughout the event, helping with setup, cleanup, transportation, and more. Mr. Earle and his staff made sure no one went hungry, providing water and lunches even after a brief hiccup with the grill. Coach Ford’s football players formed a tunnel to welcome students to the field, which quickly became one of the highlights of the day. Major Logan and his JROTC cadets opened the event and stayed on as steady volunteers, keeping the schedule moving smoothly.
For some, the experience left a lasting impression. “The entire day was beyond compare and phenomenal,” said first-time participant Stacy Easler. “The high school volunteers never left my students’ side. Their respect, responsibility, and enthusiasm gave my students the most enjoyable experience. I cannot thank Mrs. Drum and the DEC Crew enough for making sure my student could fully enjoy the day without limits.”
Mrs. Drum emphasized that the event worked because so many people did their part. She pointed to Mr. Coley for running sound and visuals, the teachers and service providers who turned in registrations on time, and the district’s transportation team for getting students to the games safely. She also thanked Director Tudder, Special Olympics partners Paula Brock and Arturo Hervada, Volunteer Coordinator, Dr. Mixon, and even her husband, Rob, who left work midday to pick up and deliver t-shirts so every child would have one.
The Unified Fall Games showed what happens when a community comes together; students leading, staff supporting, and children laughing and smiling all day long. It was a day about inclusion, fun, and pride, and one that won’t soon be forgotten in Dorchester School District Four.