Open Doors Inclusion Program in the News
Open doors, open hearts: St. Mary CC launches unique inclusion program for special learners - Detroit Catholic (December 20, 2018)
New SMCC program opens doors to all types of learners - Monroe News (February 10, 2019)
SMCC's inclusion to produce first graduate - Monroe News (April 21, 2021)
St. Mary Catholic Central high school senior inspires peers with his path to graduation - ABC 13 Toledo News (May 1, 2021)
Detroit Stories: Episode 13: The Making of a Falcon - The Detroit Catholic; Detroit Stories Podcast (May 6, 2021)
SMCC's Inclusion Students Thriving, Graduating - The Monroe News (May 16, 2022)
New initiative will help Catholic schools start special needs inclusion programs- Detroit Catholic (August 2, 2023)
"The Most Popular Kid in School" - The Monroe News (May 5, 2025)
"The Gospel in Action, Monroe Victory Day" - The Detroit Catholic (August 25, 2025)
New SMCC program opens doors to all types of learners - Monroe News (February 10, 2019)
SMCC's inclusion to produce first graduate - Monroe News (April 21, 2021)
St. Mary Catholic Central high school senior inspires peers with his path to graduation - ABC 13 Toledo News (May 1, 2021)
Detroit Stories: Episode 13: The Making of a Falcon - The Detroit Catholic; Detroit Stories Podcast (May 6, 2021)
SMCC's Inclusion Students Thriving, Graduating - The Monroe News (May 16, 2022)
New initiative will help Catholic schools start special needs inclusion programs- Detroit Catholic (August 2, 2023)
"The Most Popular Kid in School" - The Monroe News (May 5, 2025)
"The Gospel in Action, Monroe Victory Day" - The Detroit Catholic (August 25, 2025)
AMAZING "EXTRA" EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES!
In addition to all extra-curricular activities in which any other SMCC student may participate, students in the St. Andre Bessette Open Doors Inclusion Program have the opportunity to participate in Monroe County Special Olympics and Area 34 Unified Sports, such as basketball, volleyball, and bowling, just like their respective public school counterparts. The Unified Sports team on which our inclusion students currently participate also includes peer mentors who volunteer their time just to build a relationship with their students outside of the classroom and is coached by SMCC varsity softball coach Danielle Williams.
Our inclusion students also have had the opportunity to participate in a special football-focused event in the fall hosted in Monroe County called Victory Day (see above photo). Victory Day is a football experience that provides individuals with cognitive impairments and other disabilities their "moment in the sun" via an opportunity to experience the game of football through various stations and the ability to score a touchdown against a defense. An announcer calls out each participant's name; the cheerleaders are present; the band is playing; and the crowd is cheering on all participants! In addition, participants are paired with varsity football players to be their "football buddy" for the day and accompany them around the field through various stations, such as throwing the football through nets, "tackling" football dummies, playing catch, trying on football shoulder pads and helmets, kicking footballs through the goalposts, and more. At the end of the day, all participants receive a medal and have their picture taken with their "football buddy."
In August of 2023, St. Mary Catholic Central High School and the SMCC Football program hosted the first annual "Monroe Victory Day". With over 25 participants from all over southeast Michigan, it was a beautiful day for football and to give these amazing young men and women their time to shine! For more information on Monroe Victory Day, please visit http://www.facebook.com/monroevictoryday . Please stay tuned to our webpage in addition to the SMCC website at http://www.smccmonroe.com and the various SMCC social media outlets for more information.
In addition to "Monroe Victory Day", members of the St. Mary Catholic Central administration and inclusion program have been working on collaboration with the Monroe Knights of Columbus Council #1266 by participating in the annual tootsie rolls sale. The students at S.M.C.C. have also volunteered their time to help with the Knights of Columbus #1266 Lenten Fish Fries as well. The administration at St. Mary Catholic Central in addition to Director of Inclusion, Mr. Kyle McElvany have spoken at past meetings of the Knights and have begun discussions towards more collaborative opportunities between the K of C #1266, the Inclusion Program, and the SMCC community as a whole. We are striving to expand and strengthen our relationships in the community, especially those organizations who support groups that support individuals with disabilities.
Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, our Bessette Scholars participate in quarterly job shadow experiences within the "Open Doors Job Shadow" days. These experiences within the greater Monroe County area allow our students to explore career interests while working on their communication skills and independence.
For more information on "Monroe Victory Day" and other events, or how you and/or your organization may be able to partner with the St. Andre Bessette Open Doors Inclusion Program at S.M.C.C., please e-mail Mr. McElvany at [email protected].
In addition to all extra-curricular activities in which any other SMCC student may participate, students in the St. Andre Bessette Open Doors Inclusion Program have the opportunity to participate in Monroe County Special Olympics and Area 34 Unified Sports, such as basketball, volleyball, and bowling, just like their respective public school counterparts. The Unified Sports team on which our inclusion students currently participate also includes peer mentors who volunteer their time just to build a relationship with their students outside of the classroom and is coached by SMCC varsity softball coach Danielle Williams.
Our inclusion students also have had the opportunity to participate in a special football-focused event in the fall hosted in Monroe County called Victory Day (see above photo). Victory Day is a football experience that provides individuals with cognitive impairments and other disabilities their "moment in the sun" via an opportunity to experience the game of football through various stations and the ability to score a touchdown against a defense. An announcer calls out each participant's name; the cheerleaders are present; the band is playing; and the crowd is cheering on all participants! In addition, participants are paired with varsity football players to be their "football buddy" for the day and accompany them around the field through various stations, such as throwing the football through nets, "tackling" football dummies, playing catch, trying on football shoulder pads and helmets, kicking footballs through the goalposts, and more. At the end of the day, all participants receive a medal and have their picture taken with their "football buddy."
In August of 2023, St. Mary Catholic Central High School and the SMCC Football program hosted the first annual "Monroe Victory Day". With over 25 participants from all over southeast Michigan, it was a beautiful day for football and to give these amazing young men and women their time to shine! For more information on Monroe Victory Day, please visit http://www.facebook.com/monroevictoryday . Please stay tuned to our webpage in addition to the SMCC website at http://www.smccmonroe.com and the various SMCC social media outlets for more information.
In addition to "Monroe Victory Day", members of the St. Mary Catholic Central administration and inclusion program have been working on collaboration with the Monroe Knights of Columbus Council #1266 by participating in the annual tootsie rolls sale. The students at S.M.C.C. have also volunteered their time to help with the Knights of Columbus #1266 Lenten Fish Fries as well. The administration at St. Mary Catholic Central in addition to Director of Inclusion, Mr. Kyle McElvany have spoken at past meetings of the Knights and have begun discussions towards more collaborative opportunities between the K of C #1266, the Inclusion Program, and the SMCC community as a whole. We are striving to expand and strengthen our relationships in the community, especially those organizations who support groups that support individuals with disabilities.
Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, our Bessette Scholars participate in quarterly job shadow experiences within the "Open Doors Job Shadow" days. These experiences within the greater Monroe County area allow our students to explore career interests while working on their communication skills and independence.
For more information on "Monroe Victory Day" and other events, or how you and/or your organization may be able to partner with the St. Andre Bessette Open Doors Inclusion Program at S.M.C.C., please e-mail Mr. McElvany at [email protected].
Above: Jacob Goda (Class of 2021), manager for the Varsity Softball Team
Below: Jacob Goda (Class of 2021) celebrates his announcement of acceptance to the University of Toledo "T2'' Transition Program (inclusive college program) along with his fellow classmates who will be attending the University of Toledo in the fall of 2021
Below: Jacob Goda (Class of 2021) celebrates his announcement of acceptance to the University of Toledo "T2'' Transition Program (inclusive college program) along with his fellow classmates who will be attending the University of Toledo in the fall of 2021
Above: All members of the graduating class of 2021 from St. Mary Catholic Central who will be attending the University of Toledo in the fall of 2021 including Jacob
Below: Gavin at his job shadow experience at Floral City Beverage with Kristy and Jason Linster in the fall of 2025 , Gavin hard at work as the Varsity Baseball manager in the spring of 2025, and future Bessette Scholar, Mairin playing catch with varsity football player Max Flint at the inaugural Monroe Victory Day in August 2023.
Below: Gavin at his job shadow experience at Floral City Beverage with Kristy and Jason Linster in the fall of 2025 , Gavin hard at work as the Varsity Baseball manager in the spring of 2025, and future Bessette Scholar, Mairin playing catch with varsity football player Max Flint at the inaugural Monroe Victory Day in August 2023.
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