Humphreys Middle School hosts seventh annual Unified Special Olympics

CAMP HUMPHREYS – More than 45 students from Daegu, Osan, Humphreys, and two local Korean schools in Pyeongtaek participated in the seventh annual Unified Special Olympics held April 17, 2025.

Students participated in track and field events, including standing long-jumps, softball throws, and races ranging from 25 to 400 meters. All participants enjoyed a day of fun demonstrating that no matter what the score was, or fast members finished each sporting event, everyone was a winner.

The Opening Ceremony featured a parade showcasing all participants. Led by students from Humphreys High School Junior ROTC, the 8th Army Band energized the crowd with a lively selection of songs, inspiring the students as they prepared to compete in the sporting events. Several key speakers provided words of encouragement, including Garrison Commander Colonel Ryan Workman, DoDEA Pacific District Superintendent Dr. Jacob Sherwood, and members of Korean Americans (Ko/Am) Good Brothers Scholarship Foundation. In addition, the military police and fire department set up a vehicle display where students could sit in the police car and fire truck and turn on the sirens and horns.

The event was many months in the making; Humphreys Middle School Learning Impaired Moderate/Severe (LIMS) Teacher Ms. Heather Barrett started planning meetings, fundraisers, and logistics support in September 2024, shortly after the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year.

More than 30 volunteers helped set up and break down equipment, while also cheering on the athletes throughout the day. The even

t was a resounding success, with students, parents, and community supporters celebrating each participant's achievements and ensuring everyone felt like a winner.

Ms. Heather Barrett thanked all volunteers and staff members for making this year’s outstanding event a huge success. She also gave a special shout out to Ms. Lori Pyers-Goodwin who started this event seven years ago.

The staff and students at Humphreys Middle School wish Ms. Barrett and her husband the best as they prepare to transfer to their new duty station this summer in Long Beach, California. She will always be remembered for the joy and smiles she brought to the youth at Humphreys Middle School and throughout the local community of South Korea during the Unified Special Olympics.