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Third Annual SEAC Skate & Sled Event Brings Community Together

family with mascot at skating event
Click the above image to view more photos from the Jan. 11 SEAC Skate & Sled event

January 14, 2025 — The third annual SEAC Skate & Sled event, held January 11 at Shirley Hills Primary School, was a resounding success. Organized by the Westonka Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC), the event brought together families, volunteers, and local organizations for an afternoon of winter fun and community spirit.

Westonka Special Services Director Dr. Emily Rustman expressed her excitement over the event’s attendance. "This was our third annual event, and it has grown significantly between our first year and this year," Rustman said. "We had a fabulous turnout of about 40 people of all ages.”

SEAC volunteers played a crucial role in ensuring the event's success, assisting with everything from providing skates and skate trainers to serving hot chocolate for attendees. Local hockey coaches, along with volunteers from the White Hawks girls hockey team, were also on hand to support participants on the ice.

New this year, representatives from the Minnesota Special Hockey adaptive hockey team brought equipment for students to try, allowing them to experience sled hockey firsthand. A special treat for the crowd was the appearance of Wally the White Hawk, adding an extra element of fun to the day.

The event was designed to be inclusive, welcoming families from across the community. Students, parents and caregivers from various age groups came together to enjoy an activity that many may not otherwise have access to.

“Our on-ice volunteers were students who donated extra time to help our students enjoy the event,” said Rustman. "It was heart-felt to see everyone come together for a couple of hours of fun and camaraderie.”

Emma Butler, a ninth grader on the White Hawks girls hockey team, said that she loved volunteering at the SEAC event. "I had so much fun skating around and helping people learn how to skate," she said. "There were lots of people from different backgrounds here, and it brought me joy seeing them smile and laugh and making new memories on the rink!”

Hockey captain junior Ali Butler echoed those sentiments, saying, “Skating with the kids and teaching them how to skate has been such a rewarding experience. It was so incredible and fun to see their confidence grow as they skated and have fun on the ice.”


 

Becca Neuger
neugerb@westonka.k12.mn.us
(952) 491-8003