High-fives, hoops, and happiness.

Late last month, Barrington Middle School hosted a Unified Basketball game that featured plenty of excitement and lots of reasons to celebrate. 

School officials organized the game to take place during school hours, and invited the entire eighth grade class to attend. With the bleachers filled, members of the Barrington Middle School and Gaudet Middle School (Middletown) Unified teams squared off for four quarters of fun. 

The event was such a success that school officials shared a special note in the recent BMS newsletter — the parent of a Unified Basketball team member nominated the group of students who are involved in the BMS program for special recognition.

“You are the real basketball legends in my child’s unified basketball team,” wrote the parent. “My heart is overflowing with gratitude for the friendship you share. Your presence in their life is a true blessing. Your kindness, patience, and genuine acceptance have made a world of difference. You see beyond their disability and embrace them for the remarkable person they are. The happiness radiating from them, when you are around them is undeniable. Your friendship has given them a sense of belonging and acceptance that every parent hopes for their child, and for that, I am profoundly thankful. Your compassion and empathy knows no bounds, and I am continually amazed by your willingness to stand by them even when you are not playing. Your presence brings light into our lives, and we are eternally grateful for the bond you share with them. We are truly blessed to have you. Your acts of kindness and generosity have the power to uplift, inspire, and transform communities for the better.”

Barrington Middle School officials “shined the BMS Spotlight” on the students who help with the program. The group includes: Brice Antonio, Brady White, Charlotte Erickson, Claudia Bria, William Anderson, Luke Fluet, Will Luttrell, Gavin Munzert, Owen Wessner, Ryan Anderson, Griffin Noyes, Elijah Robbins, Cole Noyes, Matthew Mason, Zane Paller, Stella Tisdale, Cole Estrella, Nola Laorenza, Colby Newton, Eddy Wong, Zach Prew, Jenna Rotondo, Ayyan Mahmud, Giovanni Silva, Rylin Munzert, Avery Genetti, Harry Brown, Clyde Kelsey, Cal Naperotic, Nisi Liberatos, Ela Er, Isaac Alden-Schermele, Gavin Piette, Marissa Lema, Owen DiOrio,  Zack Resendes, Mack DiOrio, Lila Topor, Matthew Azevedo, Tessa Rigamonti, Abel Andrade, Tilly Naperotic, Levi Collins, Morgan Pine, Cole Fluet, Wes Hartman, Samuel Vigliotti, Andrew Borges, Gus Merrow, Nick Almeida, Jackson Lenz, Colin Beatty, and Ari Machado.