Right before this new school year started, Terri Parker was informed of the opportunity to take a trip to Maryland for Team Force to play in a flag football game against another team.

“Who would’ve thought that we would ever have this opportunity,” Parker said. “(I feel) ecstatic, proud, humbled, and privileged.”

Alexis Snyder, a member of Team Force and President of Meet in the Middle, also shared her feelings about the trip.

“I’m excited for this new opportunity,” Snyder said. “We don’t get a lot of opportunities this big so it’s a blessing for all of us.”

The preparations for this trip are extensive – in order to go on the trip, a lot had to be done. Team Force first had to get noticed by businesses and the community so that they could raise money for the trip. There were also paperwork and permission slips that had to be gone through so the students could go.

“We also need donations to help pay for travel and other expenses while we’re there,” Snyder said. “And since it’s a football game, we have practice after school for the boys and cheerleading practice for the girls. At the rate we’re going we’ll be more than ready for the game.”

This trip will last five days, from Nov. 13 to the 18. Not only will they participate in the flag football game, but Team Force will visit Washington D.C. where they will meet with Congressman Steve Stockman so they can tour the capital building. All of the kids are equally ecstatic for this.

Not only is this a fun trip for members of Team Force but it is a tool to expand their experience and learn valuable life skills that they will need later on.

“It has helped bring awareness to the public that people with learning disabilities are just as valuable as people without,” Parker said. “If parents come on the trip, they will be required to take a separate flight and must stay in a separate hotel. This is in order to help the students be more responsible and be out in the world on their own.”

While the students will be learning how to be more independent, there will also be help and assistance for them if needed. The whole trip will be a learning experience for everyone.

“I am so honored to be a part of this,” Snyder said. “It’s not only an excitement for the football players but also for me. The students in Team Force have been my rock for so much and I am so happy to be able to share this experience with them.”