Special Olympics
Started in the 2018-2019 school year, the Special Olympics program has seen tremendous growth. It includes three separate sports seasons: bocce ball in the fall, basketball in the winter, and track & field in the spring.
Special Olympics is a supportive environment where athletes and student coaches or “buddies” form bonds and emphasize a healthy lifestyle. The program focuses on endurance, strength, flexibility, and balance, as outlined by the Special Olympics.
There are many important people who make up this program. Couch Doucette, head coach for the Special Olympics program, is an art teacher at east campus. Coach Taylor, assistant coach for the Special Olympics program, is a special education teacher at West Campus. Athletes are either students at Lake Forest High School or part of the Transitions Program at West Campus. The Transition Program includes students who have graduated from high school through June after their 22nd birthday. Transition students act as mentors for the younger athletes. Student coaches, also known as “buddies,” volunteer their time to work with the athletes.
This is an incredible program! We always accept new athletes and buddies! For more information, contact Coach Doucette at mdoucette@lfschoolsl.net.
Melissa Doucette
Head Special Olympics Coach for Bocce Ball, Basketball, and Track & Field
mdoucette@lfschools.net
Coach Doucette joined the Special Olympics coaching staff in 2019. She has a Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Art Education from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and a Master’s in Administration from Roosevelt University. She has worked at LFHS since 2001.
Dana Taylor
Assistant Special Olympics Coach for Bocce Ball, Basketball, and Track & Field
dtaylor@lfschools.net
Coach Taylor joined the Special Olympics coaching staff in 2021. She has a Bachelor’s in Sociology and a Master’s in Secondary Education, both from DePaul University, as well as a Special Ed LBS1 from National Louis University. She has worked at LFHS since 2018.