On Oct. 3, Bob Jones University held its 30th annual Washington Center Challenge Day in partnership with the Washington Center school, Special Olympics Greenville and Greenville County Parks, Recreation & Tourism.
Washington Center School is a public school in Greenville County that works with children with disabilities. BJU hosts this event each year to allow these children to exercise themselves physically and mentally.
The event is organized by students studying education and communication disorders, as well as other volunteers. This year, over 250 BJU students were paired with 80 Washington Center students to play organized games spread throughout the Davis Field House and track.
Washington Center Day began with Charles Luttrell, founder and director of Camp Spearhead, a residential camp in Marietta for children and adults with special needs. Luttrell graduated from BJU in 1963 with a master’s degree in divinity and was later a professor in physical education at BJU for over 40 years. Luttrell provided BJU with the connection to the Washington Center School, and he was later succeeded by Randy Murr, former therapeutic recreation program manager at Greenville County Parks, Recreation, & Tourism, from 1994 until 2023.
Murr developed Washington Center Day into what it is today, calling it an “opportunity to put a population that’s overlooked and misunderstood on a platform.”
Murr said it’s a challenging task for Washington Center School to even get to an event away from their school, which is located near Pleasantburg Drive about five miles from BJU.
“It takes a lot for them to leave their classroom, get on a bus, and deal with feeding, medication, toileting, and everything else the students need to move a school a few miles down the road.”
He emphasized how much the school appreciates this day, stressing that it is “Washington Center’s favorite day of the year.”
For BJU students, the event is “a chance to see the incredible expanse of God’s creation,” Murr said.
He also expounded on the importance of Washington Center Day, saying how “God gave these kids a gift to reach people that no one else can because of their disability. It also allows parents to see their children being valued and appreciated for who they are.”
Mrs. Jane Smith, an education faculty member at BJU, said the purpose of Washington Center Day is to “allow our students to serve our community and work with parents, faculty, and children with disabilities.” Her favorite part of the day is “watching our students light up when they are paired with their athletes. It’s just life-changing for them.”
Mr. Daniel Dillard, operations coordinator at BJU, said he appreciated all the different skills required and applied to make the event happen.
University students who participated in the event had many takeaways that they learned. Brenna Binkley, a sophomore elementary education major, said she loved working with children and enjoyed the hands-on experience. Seana Ruane, a junior English education major, said she loved being an encouragement to the children and staff at the school and allowing the children to practice their motor skills. Jenna Bihler, a senior math education major, and Kirsten Warren, a senior English education major, both said they appreciated seeing the joy and happiness on the children’s faces as they won games. Jenna said It also made her grateful for her health and the blessings God has given her.
Not only did this event help the students and children, but it also encouraged the teachers at Washington Center School. One teacher, Naomi, said she loved to “see image bearers being individually celebrated,” and another, Josh, said he appreciated seeing the children get excited, “getting to be themselves and seeing future educators who will work with kids.”
Learn more about Washington Center School and its mission here.
