On May 15, 2026, the SLAM Team attended Wheaton High School, the host of the 4th annual Gilbert Games – a day full of games serving as a unified field day. Six MCPS schools had student athletes participating: Sherwood High School, Springbrook High School, Kennedy High School, Einstein High School, Stephen Knolls School, and Wheaton High School. Students in the Learning for Independence (LFI) programs at these schools participated in activities such as cornhole, javelin throw, softball throw, and a 100-yard dash. These activities were made to be adaptive so students of all abilities could be included. 

The Gilbert Games were started in remembrance of Sarah Gilbert, a former LFI student at Wheaton High School who passed away in 2021. “She always wanted to be included,” said Wheaton High School teacher and Gilbert Games organizer Stacy Azizirad. “We wanted to honor her spirit and her legacy by creating the Gilbert Games in her name.” Today, these games serve as a reminder of Sarah’s life and the joy she brought to everyone around her.

Students in a leadership elective class at Wheaton served as liaisons at the games to support participating students. “It shows what leadership is about, and we’re leading and guiding every school where they’re supposed to be,” said Raven and Jewel, two students in the program. 

The day concluded with a donated Chick-Fil-A lunch while selected members competed in a relay race around the track … and cheers could be heard throughout the stadium. The Gilbert Games are a prime example of true sportsmanship. Students supported each other while competition was strong. No matter what event or time of day, smiles were to be seen and cheers for all student athletes were heard all across the field.