By Nicolette DiMura
Staff Writer
Megan Pockalny’s biggest dream was to sing the national anthem at a sporting event, last Friday, her dream came true.
Pockalny had the opportunity to sing the national anthem at last Friday’s women’s basketball game. She is a member of the Olean Unified Sports, has competed in Special Olympics and is also a huge Bonnies Women’s Basketball fan.
“I am very fortunate to have Megan for a third year. She has always been an energetic people person who sees the good in everyone,” Angela Mest, Megan’s special education teacher and Unified Sports basketball coach from Olean Middle School, said. “Her enthusiasm is contagious, and she has always wanted to entertain ever since I met her.”
Megan is rarely on the court scoring points or playing defense. Instead, she is blowing kisses and waving to the crowd. During her free time, she enjoys singing and humming, which keeps her relaxed and happy.
“She gets so excited when she hears the national anthem and that she knows every word,” Mest said. “Megan and her mom always talk about it being a dream to sing at a sporting event. When I was asked if I knew of a Special Olympian who would be willing to sing the national anthem, I didn’t hesitate for a minute. I knew if I could get everyone on board, a dream would come true.”
Megan has been involved with the unified basketball team for the past three years and has been a ball girl for the women’s basketball games. When she is asked what she wants to do when she is older, she says she just wants to make people happy.
“She practiced all week and was very excited to be given this opportunity. She wowed the crowd and frankly, I expected nothing less. We are so proud of her,” Becki Packalny, Megan’s mom, said.
St. Bonaventure students from the Catholic Franciscan heritage class helped with the event, along with students in physical education classes. Most of the coordination was done by the Unified Sports coaches and students who received hours as part of their Senior Forum. Other members who volunteered to help included the Physical Activities Club (PAC), one of the service projects for Special Olympics, and the Bonaventure Education Association (BEA).
“I worked for the state department of mental retardation, which is now called the state department of developmental disabilities,” Dr. Paula Scraba, a physical education professor, said. “We are one of the only universities to train college students who are certified volunteers to coach and run sports clinics in other countries,” Scraba said.
Pockalny’s performance displayed the care and devotion St. Bonaventure students have.
“Friday night was so much more than Megan’s dream coming true. It opened the community’s eyes to everything our unified program tries to promote,” Mest said. “Megan sang for all our students who play unified in hopes that the world will start living unified. We are all much more alike than we are different.”
