W. Homestead Elementary kids are all champions at Field Day

Their students participated in Field Day -- an annual event with potato sack races, tug-of-war, relays and other games. Winners received ribbons, but the greatest prize was knowing they could do it.

``I want to help children achieve their full potential,'' said Peggy Gantner, the physical education teacher for exceptional students at West Homestead.

All the exceptional education students have at least one disability. Many have several. These include physical, mental and emotional disabilities.

``Once a year, the kids can be successful at athletic events like other children when they usually can't be a part of it,'' teacher Doreen Docobo said.

Because the students have varying disabilities, teachers had to adapt training for the events.

Henry Velasquez, 5, who is blind, had help from a sighted student who held Henry's hand and walked him through the sack race course teaching him to follow voices.

Henry finished second in his race and the smile across his face was almost as large as the ribbon he won.

Charlotte Lofgrin, 5, wanted to be in all the events. She was having a great time. ``Mommy, are you proud of me?'' she asked.

Kim Lofgrin couldn't have been prouder. ``I'm real happy she's enjoying herself. She doesn't usually like going outside.''

Albert McDuffie, 5, also celebrated personal victories. Albert was hit by a car and lost the use of his right arm and has learned to be left-handed. He placed first in throwing and in running.

``I went real fast,'' he said. ``I won.''