Submitted Photos Adam Page, a three-time Paralympic gold medalist in sled hockey, recently visited Fredonia Elementary School to share his story as an athlete with hydrocephalus and spina bifida.

Elliana Leone, a Fredonia Elementary student with the condition of Spina Bifida, is pictured with Adam Page, a three-time Paralympic gold medalist in sled hockey.

The Fredonia Central School District recently welcomed Adam Page, a three-time Paralympic gold medalist in sled hockey, for an assembly with elementary students to promote inclusion of people with different abilities.

“It was touching but fun, and there was a lot of energy. It was a really good opportunity for our kids,” Elementary Principal Mark Drollinger said.

Page was born with hydrocephalus and spina bifida, a birth defect caused by incomplete formation of the vertebrae.

Even after undergoing 10 surgeries, he did not let his disability stop him from playing sports and achieving the highest honors in the world, with gold medals in 2010, 2014, and 2018.

Page shared his story with Fredonia students and spoke about overcoming challenges. He also let students see his sled hockey equipment, and even let students hold his gold medals.

Page, a Buffalo native, is the co-founder of Greater Buffalo Adaptive Sports, a non-profit organization that promotes athletics for people with disabilities. The district will be partnering with Page’s organization for inclusive athletics programming in the coming months.

The district said in a social media post that Page “showed our students what it truly means to demonstrate perseverance, leadership, and the power of a positive mindset. His message – that your abilities are stronger than your obstacles – was felt by every student and adult in the room.”

At a recent meeting of the Board of Education, Elliana Leone, a Fredonia Elementary student with the condition of Spina Bifida, addressed the Board regarding accessibility issues at the school. She was joined by several adults to also speak on her behalf, including her mother, Kristi Leone. It was Kristi Leone who privately suggested that the school contact Page to share his story with the students. Elliana Leone was among the students to meet with Page at the assembly.

Regarding accessibility concerns, the district has been in contact with its architects at Young and Wright regarding potential improvements. The district’s Facilities Committee will soon tour the district to witness the issues called into question at the recent meeting.

At a recent meeting of the Board of Education, the Board approved a contract between the district and the Lake Shore Central School District for Data Privacy and Security Support at a cost of up to $7,500. The district came to a similar agreement with Lake Shore a year ago. Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox said the agreement “represents a “great bang for our buck for the district.”

Two new teacher aides were recently appointed by the Board of Education: Laura Riddle and Jannett Cruz. Their probationary appointments commenced Nov. 20. “We’re very excited to have them onboard,” Zilliox said.

Six substitutes were also approved by the Board, including Nubia Belandria, Anna Bliss, Alexandra Pezzulo, Sarah Jones, Jessica Schneider, and Sherri Mikel. Heather Montgomery resigned from the role of teacher aide, effective Nov. 7. The Tax Collector’s report was also approved by the Board.

Members of the Fredonia State women’s lacrosse team were also approved for volunteer work at the Wheelock School campus for community service.

Also of note, Zilliox offered condolences for all those impacted by the death of a 4-year-old child in a bus accident in Jamestown outside of Fletcher Elementary School on Monday, Nov. 17.

“We just wanted to take a moment to extend our deep sympathy to all involved – the parents, the family, and everybody else in the Jamestown community who has been impacted by this,” Zilliox said.

The next regular Board of Education meeting will be Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 6 p.m., in

the High School Library.