Every May, excitement buzzes through Pathways as our students gear up for one of their favorite traditions, the Special Olympics Summer Games in Stillwater!

One student who’s especially pumped is Ryan. He’s a longtime competitor who gives every race his all, but what really makes Ryan stand out is the way he supports his teammates. Last year, just before a race, Ryan turned to his friend at the starting line with a grin and said, “I’m gonna beat you!” And while he did cross the finish line first, the very next thing he did was turn around and cheer with everything he had, encouraging his friend to finish strong.

That moment captured a quality we love about Ryan and the Special Olympics. It’s not just about running the race; it’s about lifting each other up, sharing in the joy, and celebrating every step forward. Ryan reminded all of us what it means to lead with heart.