Special-education students take the Bellmore-Merrick Challenge

The Bellmore-Merrick Challenge –– the Central High School District’s annual field day for special-education students from across Nassau County, which took place on May 23 –– could be summed up in three words –– fun and friendship.

Each year, the district invites special-education students from high schools around the county to attend a day of games at the Calhoun track. The teens take part in events ranging from the 50-meter dash and the long jump to the longest throw of a beanbag, an obstacle course and cup stacking. Every special-education student is paired with a Calhoun senior who acts as the student’s buddy for the day. Members of the Calhoun Athletes Helping Athletes club run the events.

This year, “American Idol” sensation Robbie Rosen, a Calhoun senior who will attend Hofstra University in the fall, sang “God Bless America,” and All-State vocalist Michael Korins, who is autistic, performed the national anthem.

“It’s a wonderful day,” said Emily Paluseo, Calhoun’s special-education chairwoman. “The smiles on their faces are what makes it such a great day.”

More than 400 students from 10 high schools took part in this year’s Challenge, which was held under sunny skies. The event, which began with a handful of schools in 2005, is growing. “Every year is the biggest year yet,” said Calhoun Principal David Seinfeld.

Saul Lerner, the Central District’s director of health, physical education and athletics, credited Paluseo, physical-education teacher Heather Riddiough and special-education teacher Katie Lessig with organizing the Challenge.

“It doesn’t get any better than this,” Lerner said. “This is just one of those incredible days. The dedication of our people makes this possible.”

Che Hughes, 17, a senior, is in Calhoun’s special-education program, which draws students from Kennedy and Mepham high schools in addition to Calhoun. “I’m excited,” Hughes said as he took a break in between events. “I’m always pumped up and ready” for the Challenge. His favorite event, he said, is the dash.

Rachel Hayden, 18, also a senior, was Hughes’s buddy for the day. “It’s an amazing day,” she said. “I have a brother in the special-education department, and they do nothing but amazing things for him.”