This past Thursday, the gym was packed with LFHS students, excitement practically spilling onto the basketball court. The cause of this rowdy crowd? The annual ELS game— an incredibly special time for athletes from the Special Education Department.
“The ELS game is something our class looks forward to for months. All the students and TAs love it, and it’s great to see the school come together with so much support,” junior Molly Thomas said, a peer helper in LFHS’ Integrated Wellness class.
With a final score of 44-40, LFHS students battled it out against New Trier High School in a game that left students on the edge of their seats. Peer helper Sophie Portalatin described the pure delight that comes with the ELS game.
“This event brings so much joy— not just to the athletes in the Integrated Wellness class, but also to the TAs, teachers, parents, and all the students watching. That shared happiness is what makes it so special,” Portalatin said.
Before the game commenced, players rushed through a tunnel of pom-poms, entering the court proudly donning Scouts apparel. Athletes Lilly Stauffer, Grace Donnellan, Hannah Miczuga, and Jack Clark were also recognized before the game, along with their parents, for their senior season. For many of the players, this was a bittersweet moment.
“It was super fun, but I’m kind of sad it’s the last time I’ll be playing in the ELS game,” senior Lilly Stauffer said.
Senior Grace Donnellan felt a similar sentiment.
“I loved playing basketball, but I’m going to miss my friends and the ELS game,” Donnellan said.
The game itself was intense, with each team trading baskets. New Trier was up for a majority of the game until the Scouts pulled ahead in the final quarter.
Each basket, no matter the team, was met with loud cheers and claps from the crowd as they supported the athletes. Senior Hannah Miczuga, who scored a couple of baskets, loved the experience.
“I had so much fun! My favorite part was scoring, and I felt really excited when I did. I liked the T-shirts, too,” Miczuga said.
Although LFHS was victorious, the ELS game is about so much more than just a score. LFHS students recognize the true reason behind the game: to promote a kind, nurturing, and accepting environment that encourages teamwork, support, and inclusivity.
“I think that the ELS game day experience in our school encompasses our school’s values. What I mean by that is that everybody feels good about the successes of other students,” Integrated Wellness teacher Mr. Chuck Spagnoli said. “The school rallies around everybody, and everybody leaves feeling great; that’s what makes our school so special.”
Spagnoli is the primary Integrated Wellness teacher at LFHS and has contributed so much to the ELS athletes’ lives, brightening their days on the regular.
“Spagnoli is a great guy and he always pumps up the team,” Stauffer said.
However, this year marks Spagnoli’s last year at LFHS. During halftime, a special video that was created by athletes and peer helpers was played in honor of his retirement.
“The halftime show and the video of Spagnoli were my favorite parts of the game,” junior Maria Alzamora said.
The ELS game is also important in that every year, LFHS organizes a raffle to raise money for different causes.
“This year, the ELS game was especially important because all the proceeds went to Rett Syndrome research to support one of our Integrated Wellness students who sadly passed away,” senior peer helper Rayanne Attar said. “It’s really amazing that we were able to raise a substantial amount of money for the cause.”
The ELS game truly encompasses what it means to be a Scout.
“It’s just so special to see the school come and celebrate our athletes. Nothing compares to the ELS basketball game simply because everyone is celebrated so much, and the buddies, the teachers, and, most of all, the athletes, feel so uplifted,” Attar said.
Despite Spagnoli’s retirement, the ELS game will continue to be an important tradition at LFHS— one that students, staff, and, most importantly, the athletes, look forward to and cherish.
