Just before the photo, former Raider Michael Dotterer looked at the camera and grinned, while wheelchair bound San Benito High School student Nino Gutierrez looked at the football player and smiled.
For many high school students, it was the chance to stand next to an idol.
Dotterer was one of two former NFL players who stopped by the high school last week, surprising students with inspirational speeches, autographs and a celebration of the school’s Circle of Friends program that makes sure developmentally disabled students don’t sit alone at lunchtime.
The surprise visit Wednesday from former San Francisco 49er Allan Kennedy, and former Oakland Raider and Yankee Michael Dotterer preceded the Gifted Games held last Friday. Most of the students listening to the guest speakers went on to compete in their own Olympic-style track and field events held two days later.
“My message is, every day just get better – learn,” said Kennedy. “They’re preparing for the game of life. Sports is just a sidetrack.”
He and Dotterer spoke to a classroom filled with at least 30 Life Skills Program students who have moderate to severe cognitive and developmental delays. The students take classes on the main high school campus focusing on vocational education, functional academics and independent living.
The two retired athletes – who sport a total of three Super Bowl rings – posed for pictures with every student in the class and autographed the photos.
“We were so inspired. You could see in the pictures: We were so happy,” said Dotterer.
Most of the students in the class were members of Circle of Friends, a high school club that pairs developmentally disabled students with mainstream youth so students always have company at lunchtime.
“It’s a great opportunity for the kids to interact and learn to have a conversation with their nondisabled peers,” said Michelle Goldstone, a moderate to severe disabilities teacher at the high school.
Since Circle of Friends started several years ago, membership has taken off. The club started with 40 students this school year but grew to about 300 members, making it the largest club on the campus, said Circle of Friends President Breanna Brooks.
“I just like that you can come into the classrooms and even at lunch, and everyone is just so accepting,” she said.
Brooks, 17, joined the club about three years ago after she heard about it from a classmate. Now, the high school senior is planning a career as a special education teacher and will begin classes at San Jose State University this fall.
Brooks was one of many students who posed for a picture with the two former football players last Wednesday. In her photo, she wears their three Super Bowl rings.
The two former professional football players spent several hours with high school students, arriving in the morning to speak to the Gifted Games athletes and their peers, then making a guest appearance to all the high school students at lunch. Those participating in the Circle of Friends club received a special pass to meet the athletes one on one.
“I was surprised and it was amazing,” said Karissa Agan, the friends liaison officer for Circle of Friends.
“It was good. He was cute,” said student Sharida Hogg, 17, as she reflected on the guest speakers’ presentation in her class.
The athletes’ messages for the day focused on teamwork.
“They were very nice. I like how everything was about ‘team,’ ” Goldstone said. “Everything was a team effort and you have to work together to make things happen.”
