The Gifted Games: A Triumph of Talent

by Lorie Castro

Gilroy High School hosted the 2024 Gifted Games, an exciting and grand event where smiles and laughter were plentiful. As a Special Education teacher, and having been to many Gifted Games, I can vouch that it is the highlight of every school year. Here, after a year of hard work and monumental strides, special needs students have the opportunity to compete in activities and reunite with old friends, all while being cheered on by Gilroy High School students, family, and friends. Teachers and Paraeducators look forward to the Gifted Games each year as much as the students do. Paraeducator Christina Almanza says, “The Gifted Games have always been the highlight of the year for me, and even more so as a parent of a special needs child.” At the Gifted Games, staff members are enthusiastically greeted by former students and coworkers, and the student’s excitement filled the stadium. It is an unforgettable experience. Year-after-year, the Gifted Games stamps blissful memories upon hundreds of hearts.

            At Ascencion Solorsano Middle School, the big day began with a spirited pre-game gauntlet comprised of dozens of students and staff. Led by Principal Hilda Aguirre, over thirty students made their way through, among cheers and applause, as they headed to the bus. The tradition highlights the school’s dedication to celebrating diversity, while igniting student athletes with a contagious energy and excitement before the game. ASMS Special Education Chair and RSP Specialist Joey Kloecker calls it, “a day of fun, inclusion, and celebration of the community itself.” It was a lovely moment; one that won’t be forgotten.

            The event alternates yearly between Hollister High School and Gilroy High School. This year’s host, GHS, welcomed students with a lengthy blue and white gauntlet of cheerleaders and balloons. Students proudly paraded around the track, school banners in hand, before the games began. The games included javelin toss, basketball, throwing a baseball, and soccer, to name a few. Almanza, whose son Mateo attends Ladds Lane Elementary School in Hollister, recalled that, “Our little boy got the biggest praise while competing in the javelin toss. The happiness they expressed for my son’s accomplishment will forever bring joy.” This happiness leads up to the most exciting event of the day, the race. Students zealously sprint, run, and walk to the finish line where they are received with high-fives and awarded a gold medal. It is a memorable and exceptional experience that leaves all participates elated, a little exhausted, and in anticipation for next year’s games.

            For brothers Daniel and Bryan Montes Fuertes, a Junior and Senior at GHS, their favorite thing about the Gifted Games is competing in soccer and seeing their former teachers. Bryan said, “I had a great time seeing everybody. I hadn’t seen Mr. Kloecker since 8th grade, before the pandemic.” Daniel, who has participated in the Gifted Games four times, says that he had a great time hanging out with his former elementary school friends, but the best part was spending time with former teachers. He said, “I was excited to see Mrs. Castro and Mrs. Carolina and hang out with them.” Seventh-grader Sean Kim couldn’t wait to get his face painted. Others enjoyed the hamburger lunch and endless array of snacks contributed by parents. ASMS sixth grader Brandon Wai said he was, “excited for the food!”

            As for my own experience as a teacher? I love it whole-heartedly and bask in the experience. My favorite part of the Gifted Games is everything. I love the anticipation, the smiles, watching them compete in the games, and seeing students like sixth grader Nora Vera sprinting down the track with her dad by her side during the race. It was an awesome moment. It is always exciting to spend time with former students, including the Montes Fuertes brothers, as well as current students. It’s the ultimate feel-good experience and I feel blessed to be a part of it. Daniel Montes Fuertes sums up the event perfectly, saying, “The Gifted Games make me feel great as a person…it is one of the greatest school events, bringing the community together as a family.” I couldn’t agree more with Montes Fuertes; it is a big family reunion and indeed one of the greatest school events. Now that it is over, we begin the anticipation for next year!

Copyright © 2025 by Lorie D. Castro

All Rights Reserved