Story & photo by Chelsea Martin
In an ongoing effort to promote
awareness of those with special needs,
the Corona del Sol High School girls
softball team has taken a special group
under its wing.
Their idea: to expand the team
to members of the Sol Buddies group,
which comprises students with special
needs. The members are not only
included in every game, but one Buddy
is given the opportunity to throw the
opening pitch.
“A lot of the girls have classes
with the special needs kids but they
don’t often see them in another
environment,” said sponsor Jayelee
Dorris.
“So bringing the kids into the
team’s world is just as important to
them. The girls are amazing with the
kids, and they motivate each other.
They have really bonded. ”
The team enjoys the great
company, and its players work hard to
set an example, said Dorris.
“The (Buddies) are such a cool
group,” freshman Ruby Eversole said.
“They go through so much, and for
them to be happy makes everybody
else happy. It’s awesome.”
This year, the Buddies were
awarded medals for their contribution
to the team. The medals were happily
received by Dion Ramirez, Daniel
Garcia, Lauren Graham, Demond
Robinson and Warren Tripp.
The girls unanimously agree that
the Buddies have strengthened the
team. They wouldn’t have it any other
way.
“We see them as a part of our
team, we seriously do,” said freshman
Isabel Nunez-Prieto. “They motivate
us, cheer us up when we’re down and
make it more fun overall for the whole
team.”
Added Prieto:
“This program has really changed
the way we look at life.”
