'It lets the kids shine': Victory Day at Port Huron High School produces stars

One by one, they arrived in the end zone. Some sprinted there without hesitation. Others were a bit more cautious. But they all eventually crossed the goal line.

And it made for an unforgettable night.

Port Huron High School hosted its annual Victory Day at Memorial Stadium on Friday. More than 75 children and young adults with special needs were treated to an evening of football and fun.

"Today was absolutely perfect," said Tracey Hopp, the event's coordinator. "We've done this enough where we have such a well-oiled machine that it ran so smoothly. It accomplished what it was designed to do."

Victory Day gives local kids with autism and other disabilities an opportunity to be a football star. Participants receive a jersey, are introduced over the loudspeaker and get to score a touchdown during a mock game. They're also paired with a Port Huron athlete.

"It's a part of what we do," Port Huron football coach Dan Perkins said. "The interaction between the players and participants is really neat for both sides. It's a chance for these (players) to experience something that's bigger than just football."

"I like coming out with the kids," Port Huron tight end Luke Allen said. "They don't get a chance to (play on this field). The whole school comes together for these kids. It's not just a football thing."

Members of the Big Reds' football, volleyball and cheerleading teams were there as mentors. The high school's marching band was in attendance. Complimentary hot dogs and snow cones were available and helped mirror a gameday experience.

"It lets the kids shine," said Deanna Willey, whose son Paul has participated in Victory Day for several years. "It's just a really great moment to let them be known and seen."

Participants were greeted inside by their mentors. Many went right onto the field to play catch. After the night began with the national anthem, introductions were held. Kids ran through a tunnel of cheerleaders as their name was called.

"It's for everyone," Port Huron principal Mike Palmer said. "The most special part about this is that there are good feelings all around. It gives some kids an opportunity to do something special. But it's also a great opportunity for our (students) to take part in something special."

Once the festivities ended, it was game time.

Individually, kids were handed the ball 30 yards from the end zone. Offensive lineman gently cleared the way against a group of defenders. The public address announcer gave a play-by-play while the crowd cheered. Music was played by the marching band after every score.

"For the kids, the joy on their face is awesome," Perkins said.

This sequence was repeated for an hour. Yet the enthusiasm in the stadium never wavered.

"The touchdown is really cool and the kids are going to remember that," Palmer said. "But I think the best part is when they build that relationship (with their mentors)."

Some of the participants are also students at the high school. Victory Day presents a unique opportunity for them, as they're able form bonds with classmates in a more casual environment.

"I've seen those relationships grow over the years within the school," Palmer said. "So it starts here, grows there and we've got kids that just know each other. There are times when that may not happen (otherwise). But this breaks down that wall a little bit."

"With Paul's first year of coming here, he didn't really know anybody," Deanna Willey said. "Now that he's progressed through high school, it's cool for us to see him (with these friendships) that we don't get to see when he's in school."

Medals were given out to each participant after the game. Then all the kids and mentors took a group photo before saying their goodbyes.

As the sun set on Memorial Stadium, the Willey family gathered near midfield. This year's event was "bittersweet" for them, because it was Paul's last time participating.

"What I enjoy most is just seeing him be acknowledged," Deanna Willey said as she held back tears. "Like he's one of the kids. It's seeing him be treated like an equal."

Contact Brenden Welper at bwelper@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrendenWelper.

This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: 'It lets the kids shine': Victory Day at PHHS produces stars