Written By: Owen Weems, Staff Writer
TOGETHERNESS: Connection spreads throughout the district thanks to the efforts by the Poly team to create an engaging Bear Bowl tradition for the students of special needs classes to enjoy.
The Poly Bear Bowl can’t be described as anything other than a truly unique experience. It is a one of a kind event that we host here at Poly once a year. But some of you may be asking yourself, what is the Bear Bowl?
The Poly Bear Bowl is a tradition that started three or four years pre-COVID. This means that it is a fairly new tradition at Poly, but it has quickly become one of the most loved and enjoyed by all those that take part. Clubs such as ASB, Bear Pals, and Link Crew ask for volunteers to spend time with kids with special needs from all around the district. Volunteer and Bear Pals member, Micah Chandler (11), appreciates the opportunity to “meet people [he] would otherwise not know.” It provides all students a chance to relax with people of all demographics and groups that they otherwise not talk to. It serves as a “space without judgment,” which is what makes this event one of the most meaningful held at the school. A lot can be learned from the happiness and overall energy of all those present at the Bear Bowl. As Mrs. Murtaugh, club advisor for Bear Pals, put it, meeting “people that are different than you can open your eyes to new perspectives.” That is why the Bear Bowl offers a great opportunity for people to learn to be kind and open-minded. Just the simple act of spending time with special education students can make their day and if you are open to something a little different, it can make yours too.
Emotions were high and excitement was in the air as students from all across the district met up with friends from more than 8 different schools. From middle school, high school, and even beyond, people got the chance to catch up with those they don’t always get to see on a day to day basis. I know that for many, including myself, it was a great chance to see some of my closest friends that moved schools or graduated. The Bear Bowl is at its best when friends get to hang out and play, by throwing a ball around or doing a multitude of other fun activities. No expense was missed in making sure that this was the best day possible. Gunnar Gifford (11) explained that lots of “planning and effort” was put in by Poly clubs, such as ASB, but that the fun students were able to have made it all worth it. Karol Rivera (12) further explains that the Bear Bowl has allowed her to “make new friends and lasting memories.” This coincides with its main purpose. The Bear Bowl was started to bring connection between students in gen-ed and special education classes. Fostering the friendships between these students helps break down barriers. This in turn leads to a more welcoming and inclusive environment in our schools, district, and beyond.
But, by far the biggest attraction of the event is the chance for those students with special needs to run the football and score a touchdown. By “putting the spotlight on [the] students who typically don’t get the chance” to have this kind of attention. The event began with all of the students with special needs walking up to the cheers of their peers and classmates. Poly students, through their cheers, helped the students feel the energy and compassion that our school intends to spread. What we must realize is that “everyone deserves an opportunity to feel important,” as Micah Chandler explains. These students, typically overlooked and forgotten in the clamor of the high school experience, are given their moment to shine. And the Bear Bowl, as Mrs. Murtaugh and many others believe, is “more about [her] students than those who volunteer.”
Now, after receiving the cheer and attention, the schools from all over the district took turns letting students run the football into the endzone and score a touchdown. The football team was gracious enough to take part in the event in order to let the special needs kids feel what it’s like to score a real touchdown. It came down to the rest of those involved to cheer them on. With the help of Pep Squad, Cheer, Band, and those yelling from the sidelines, the energy on the field was remarkable. By calling out their names, “the students could feel the attention” and admiration of all those in attendance. This was a day for them to experience a new part of the school experience usually withheld from them.
The Bear Bowl, apart from being an incredible event full of joy and laughter, showed the importance of connection. More than that, it showed the necessity for understanding and compassion. Just by acknowledging the fact that many of the students that the event hopes to highlight aren’t typically “invited to things or asked to hang out,” as Mrs. Murtaugh points out, you can do small things to make their day. By simply saying hi as they pass or spending a little time with them, you can spread the inclusivity for which the Bear Bowl advocates. The Bear Bowl is an amazing event that teaches lessons and builds friendships that last a lifetime. This year’s event was one of the biggest and with a little more compassion, we can make next year’s even more grand.