Number of Participants: 10
Hours Donated: 4
Value of Time Served: $1,392
Event Type: Children & Youth
Activity: Other
School: Sachem High School East
Date: May 11, 2026
Location:
Sachem East High School
Granny Road, Farmingville
NY
About:
The annual Special Olympics event at Samoset Middle School was a tremendous success, bringing students, educators, and the community together for a day centered around inclusion, connection, and joy.
Held outdoors this year, the event featured more than a dozen adapted toys created and donated by Michael LoPreto’s Electrical Trade students from Wilson Tech/Milliken Technical Center. Throughout the school year, the students worked diligently to modify the toys to better meet the needs of Samoset’s students by enhancing sensory features such as sound and vibration while simplifying controls to make them more accessible and interactive.
The highlight of the day came when the Electrical Trade students — proudly known as the “Toy Tinkers” — visited Samoset to work directly with the students and help them experience the adapted toys firsthand. The interaction created meaningful connections, smiles, and unforgettable moments for everyone involved.
The event showcased the power of service-learning and how student innovation and compassion can make a lasting impact within a school community. Through teamwork, creativity, and empathy, these students helped create an inclusive experience that truly embodied the spirit of the Special Olympics.
