D86 Transition Center Hosts Inaugural Thanksgiving Turkey Bowl

Submitted by Hinsdale Township High School District 86.

The Hinsdale District 86 Transition Center hosted its inaugural Thanksgiving Turkey Bowl on Friday, Nov. 20, for 105 young adults with special needs from six different transition programs.

Young adults from Soaring Eagle Learning Academy in Burr Ridge, Downers Grove District 99, Riverside Brookfield District 208, Lyons Township District 204 and Elmhurst District 205 joined the District 86 Transition Center for a lunch of pizza, chips, brownies and pop followed by a friendly bowling competition complete with a turkey trophy awarded to the winning team.

“The young adults here and at other programs love bowling and were very excited about this event,” said Cathy Mengarelli, District 86 Transition Center Teacher. “For example, one District 99 student told his teacher that his dream had been to go bowling before leaving his program. That young adult has realized his dream. As this was our first time bringing together a number of transition programs, we had no idea how many would attend. The turnout was so awesome, we’ve decided to make this an annual event.”

The 2015 Turkey Bowl Trophy

Cathy Mengarelli shared that the purpose of the event was to encourage young adults to meet new friends through a group activity such as bowling. She noted that this type of social event also provides opportunities for the participating students to practice social and life skills.

“District 86 students were responsible for the planning, set-up and purchasing of all needed materials and, of course, the ultimate success of the event,” she said.

The young adults from Lyons Township scored the most points, winning the first trophy of the now Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Bowl.