Mentor football coach Matt Gray was very pleased some of the members of the undefeated Cardinals took part in welcoming students from the Mentor CARES facility for a football-filled event at Jerome T. Osborne Sr. Stadium to hopefully make a difference in the lives of some special young individuals. However, the students from the Cardinal Autism Resource and Education School probably made as big of an impact if not more on the Mentor High students as the high school athletes did on their guests on Oct. 23. “We have a team that wants to get out in the community, wants to make a difference and help out when we can, especially with maybe some of those less fortunate or with special needs,” Gray said. “This is something our guys look forward to doing and don’t have to be forced into or asked twice, and as a coach, that makes me very proud of these young men. “They get it and I think those students can make an impact on our guys as much as we do on them.” Members of the Mentor High football and flag football teams hosted students from CARES on Oct. 23 at the JTO. (Courtesy of Joe Glavan) The CARES students were treated to a tour of the stadium by members of the football team and girls flag football squad and then participated in a “mini camp” and then a game with the high school players. The CARES facility was custom designed to meet the special needs of students with autism. Interior plans and features from special acoustical finishes and data collecting technology to therapy and sensory rooms, help reduce distractions and promote more effective teaching. The players from the No. 1-ranked Mentor Cardinals have a game on the road at rival Euclid in Week 10 of the regular season with a chance to be 10-0, but on an unseasonably warm fall morning at the JTO, it was clear the focus was on the CARES students. Members of the Mentor High football and flag football teams hosted students from CARES on Oct. 23 at the JTO. (Courtesy of Joe Glavan) “It was awesome to have these students out who might not always have the opportunity to do something like this and show them the facility and give them a little show of how we run things,” senior quarterback Scotty Fox said. Wide receiver Austin VanHuss said this isn’t the first time the team has gotten involved with special needs students, serving lunches and being present whenever possible. Wide receiver Marcus Sierputowski said the morning was enjoyable as he figured it would be and the CARES students proved to be very athletic. Members of the Mentor High football and flag football teams hosted students from CARES on Oct. 23 at the JTO. (Courtesy of Joe Glavan) Mentor kicker Dylan Tackett looked around the turf at the JTO and reveled in the opportunity to share the field with the CARES students. “Regardless of what people think, they are students and athletes just like us,” Tackett said. “They are having a great time. This place right here is where everyone has a great time and fits in. Doesn’t matter who you are.” It wasn’t just players that beamed with pride during the event, but school and district administrators and officials watched on with inner joy for both the students from the high school and from CARES “The third annual Mentor High School and CARES football game brought students from our CARES school together with our football and flag football teams and was filled with unforgettable moments,” Mentor High Principal Jason Crowe said. “Seeing our students come together, the smiles and celebrations is a reminder that everyone belongs on and off the field. We are proud of all of our students, coaches and staff who made this event possible” Lilly Parkinson, a flag football player for the Cardinals, said the experience is unique and one she feels benefits the high school players as much as the CARES students. “This is my second year doing this activity with our school district’s CARES program and I think it’s a great experience for both the high school students and the CARES kids,” Parkinson said. “I love being able to work with students I’m normally not able to; teaching and collaborating with them while playing a sport creates a unique dynamic where we can learn from each other.” “Furthermore, creating a sense of teamwork while fostering relationships strengthens our community, promotes inclusivity and cultivates an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to grow together while playing a sport everyone loves,” she added. CARES Director Christy LaPaglia said interacting socially and being part of an all-inclusive community are not always easy for students at the facility, so an event like the one at the JTO is always special. “Students with autism often face challenges with social interactions,” LaPaglia said. ” Events like these provide a unique opportunity for our CARES students to interact with peers in a fun and supportive environment. Events like these also help foster a sense of community and belonging among all participants, promoting understanding and acceptance.”