Hazelton presented a spring sports season recap at the final Board of Education meeting of the school year. Forestville found success in a variety of sports, none more so than the varsity softball team, which won its division title and Section VI Championship for the second straight year. Hazelton said the district is continuing to build what he called “a great tradition” of success for Forestville softball.

Of the 10 sports teams in the spring, eight are combined with another district. Varsity and modified softball are the exceptions. A total of 83 students at Forestville participated in a spring sport, which is an increase of five students from last year. Of those 83 students, 26 are on the varsity track and field team, hosted by Silver Creek, while the school’s modified and varsity softball teams combined for 30 athletes. Additionally, nine students played Unified basketball, which is hosted by Silver Creek.

Hazelton commended Sean Helmer, Silver Creek Athletic Director, for his leadership in combining sports programs with Forestville in recent years. Hazelton credits Helmer for being the reason that so many teams have been able to be shared between the districts.

“From the Forestville Central School District, I just want to say a huge thank you to Sean Helmer for what he’s done for our kids,” Hazelton said. “… Sean always opened the door for our student-athletes and made them feel very, very welcomed.”

Hundreds of students and staff filled Steele Hall on the campus of SUNY Fredonia for the annual Special Olympics competition on May 27. Nine Forestville students volunteered at the event.

Nine Forestville students volunteered at the annual Special Olympics event at SUNY Fredonia on May 27. The volunteers were Madison Christian, Will Duliba, Ava Emke, Iris Muck, Troy Muck, Carilene Sliwa, Jack Spengler, Sophia Stewart, and Blake Waterman. Hazelton said, “(The volunteers) represented us very, very well. I’m very proud of their service to our community.”

Stewart, the district’s Student Board Member, participated in Unified basketball for the first time this season. She said she “really enjoyed” her experience.

“Unified is about having a good time, not necessarily about the competition. That’s what I’ve taken away from and I really appreciate about it,” Stewart said. “That goes for the Special Olympics too. There is no competition, it’s all just to have fun with the athletes and the helpers. It’s overall a good time, and it’s an amazing opportunity.”