More than 40 Riverside High School (RHS) students paired up with students at Broadmoor School on September 20, 2024 to wheel, walk or run (with assistance as needed) to complete two laps or more around the school. 

“Wheel, Walk, Run has taken place at Broadmoor for more than three decades, which means it has facilitated fun for thousands of Broadmoor students and approximately 900 visiting school students,” said Liz Miller, director of children’s services/Broadmoor principal. “Part of the tradition is partnering with a local school district and we are grateful that Riverside was able to participate in the event this year.”  

SIDE (Student Initiative for Developing Excellence) began in 2016 as a course elective at Riverside High School (RHS). It is a student-driven program that focuses on expanding leadership skills and opportunities through school and community based activities. 

“This is an event where the smiles and laughs are contagious and unforgettable,” said RHS Teacher and SIDE Advisor Jaime McIntyre. “Juniors who attend this event make it a must do for their senior year. Admittedly, one of our favorite partnerships is with Broadmoor School.” 

The connection to Broadmoor began with former RHS student Maddie Reutter due to her passion for embracing abilities of all people. The day also allows SIDE students hands-on experience to build skills interacting with students of varying age and abilities. 

“Being a part of this event is one of the most life changing experiences I have been a part of,” said Ryan Kelly, a senior at RHS. “Spending time with these amazing kids is one of the biggest joys of my life.” 

Parents and bystanders watched and cheered as students made their way around the school. Many commented that the integrated events at Broadmoor School help students broaden their abilities. 

“The teachers and staff are so encouraging and supportive of students and their families,” said Justin Madison, parent of a Broadmoor Preschool student. “It has been exciting watching our son Finley’s progress since he has started at Broadmoor. Last year he WHEELed. This year he WALKed. Next year, we are looking forward to seeing him RUN!”

The event could not have been a success without support from the community, in particular from the Broadmoor Family Network who sponsored the event and provided lunch for everyone involved, as well as dedicated their time to volunteer. Second Sole in Mentor generously lent Broadmoor School their enormous inflatable finish line and time clock. Each Broadmoor student earned a medal (graciously donated by Second Sole) along with their Wheel, Walk, Run certificate of completion. 

“This is an exciting event that students at Broadmoor look forward to every year,” said Sara Jones, Adapted Physical Education Specialist at Broadmoor School. “In addition to students working on being physically active, this event spotlights the joy of inclusion and prompts socialization with someone from a visiting high school.” 

Broadmoor School is the educational facility for the Lake County Board of Developmental Disabilities/Deepwood and provides four programs for students with developmental disabilities from birth through the age 22:  Early Intervention, Integrated Preschool, School Age and Lake Education & Employment Program (LEEP). 

Those interested in learning more about the Lake County Board of Developmental Disabilities/Deepwood’s programs and services can visit www.lakebdd.org or connect on social media @DeepwoodLakeDD.