What began as a challenging moment in the lunchroom turned into an unforgettable display of kindness and inclusion for Nathan Ingles, a student with IDD (intellectual and developmental disabilities), here at Tompkins. Sapphira Valdez, Best Buddies Vice President and a photographer on the news staff, saw an opportunity to uplift Nathan and create a positive experience he would never forget.
Valdez, inspired to create something memorable, coordinated with members of the Falcon football team to get Nathan on the sideline of the playoff game. The plan began with an introduction to quarterback Justin, whom Nathan had been excited to meet. From there, Valdez worked with Head Coach McVey to secure permission and organize the special experience.
“Coach McVey loved the idea and wanted to meet Nathan,” Valdez said. “They sat down, shared smiles and handshakes, and talked about Falcon football traditions.”
During the meeting, Coach McVey taught Nathan short team chants, how to do celebratory fist bumps, and shared stories of his favorite college and NFL teams. By the end of their conversation, Coach McVey expressed that Nathan was officially part of the Falcon team.
The preparations for Nathan’s sideline debut were extensive. Valdez coordinated with the cheer coach, Nathan’s parents, assistant principals, and administrative staff to make it happen. Nathan received a “VIP package” from Julie, the athletic administrator, which included a Falcon T-shirt and a special sideline pass. Coach McVey added a personal touch, giving Nathan his own bracelet engraved with the team’s most valuable creed.
At the playoff game, Nathan joined the team as they ran in from the tunnel, exchanging high-fives, fist bumps, and smiles. The players welcomed him into their celebrations, showing the power of inclusion within the Falcon community.
“No matter who you are or how unique someone is, we can all treat everyone with inclusion and, most of all, kindness,” Valdez said. “A simple gesture can bring the Best Buddies and Falcon community together, embracing a vision of acceptance. This is one example of many acts of inclusion I hope to achieve this year—turning dreams into traditions.”
The moment highlighted not just the compassion of individual students and staff, but the potential of the entire Falcon community to champion acceptance, inclusion, and kindness.
#Inclusion #FalconFamily
