The Girls From School Day Adaptive: Shedding Fear and Spreading Positivity

We wrapped up another great season of School Day Adaptive in May. It was exciting to see a number of returning girls and committed teachers – a combination that equates to skill levels significantly improving! Throughout the 10-week season the students of school district 75 never ceased to amaze us. This week, School Day Adaptive coaches Carol Quijada and Patrick Fernback highlight two students who left a big impact on them.

Looking for more photos? Check out our School Day Adaptive album.

From Coach Carol
Andrea Cuaya came with Ms. Juli from P373K. She participated during our warm-ups and set up equipment when needed. Unfortunately, she was very scared of the barges. She would cry and call out for her mom, and needed many hugs and words of encouragement. Each practice she got a little closer to the barges but it was heartbreaking to hear her in discomfort. Each morning I would ask her if she would go in and she would shake her head “yes”, but this was not guaranteed when we neared launching time. On her second to last practice, Andrea went in by herself and participated in the barge! She was so proud of herself and received many congratulations from coaches, teachers, and classmates. During our culminating event, Andrea went into the barge and participated very well without a hitch! It was so amazing to watch her grow as an athlete and as an active participant in our program. I look forward to her return in the Fall.

From Coach Pat
Ashley Torres, a returning rower with Coach McCarthy and the Lady Knights of P721k arrived every day with energy and enthusiasm for the sport. She would hug the teachers and Para’s from p053k (the partner school on Tuesdays) creating a warm environment between the two schools. Though Tuesdays this spring seemed to have the worst weather of any day, resulting in the schools staying inside more than most, Ashley kept a positive and uplifting attitude on the ergs, which spread to her teammates. And when time came to get on the water Ashley continued to excel, becoming a stalwart in the barge. For me, Ashley was a great example of how far a positive attitude and hard work can take you. I can’t wait to see her return in the fall!

Thank you to Hiroyuki (Yuki) Yamada from School District 75, all the teachers and school officials who made this possible for the students, and our coaches who supported the program. It would not have been a huge success without you!

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