Monday, February 2, marked one of the most meaningful traditions in the Carrabassett Valley Academy calendar: its annual involvement with Special Olympics Maine. For more than 40 years, CVA students have had the privilege of supporting this incredible event, a tradition rooted in service, teamwork, and shared joy on snow.
Throughout the day, CVA students filled a wide range of roles, helping make the event both successful and joyful. Students served as one-on-one coaches, timers, organizers, cheerleaders, photographers, and photo booth hosts. Assigned to alpine or snowshoe groups, students worked closely with athletes, offering encouragement, guidance, and enthusiastic support.
Athletes traveled from across Maine to take part in a day centered on the winter sports the CVA community loves. Alpine training included gate work and time trials, while snowshoe athletes enjoyed guided adventures through the woods. Warm cocoa, cookies, celebratory moments, and constant cheering created an atmosphere filled with energy and connection.
The event has continued to grow in recent years, with participation steadily increasing since the cancellation of the event after 2020. This winter, CVA welcomed more than 60 Special Olympic athletes to Sugarloaf, reflecting the strength and momentum of a tradition that continues to expand.
The day was organized under the leadership of the CVA National Honor Society, whose members coordinated logistics, provided timing, ran the ceremony, and ensured every detail was thoughtfully handled. Their leadership played a key role in creating a day that was smooth, enriching, fun, and safe for all participants.
Hosting Special Olympics Maine remains one of CVA’s longest and most meaningful traditions. The day served as a reminder that teamwork, encouragement, and determination know no boundaries. Thank you to the athletes, Special Olympics Maine, CVA students, faculty, staff, and volunteers who once again made this event a special and memorable experience.
Congratulations to our student-athletes on a strong and rewarding season. You have represented our community with consistency and determination, showing real commitment to your training, grit in competition, and sportsmanship in how you show up for one another. These efforts reflect the Big Dog values: kindness, respect, commitment, and gratitude.
CVA athletes delivered standout performances across championship events at the regional, national, and international levels. From podium finishes at national competitions to international success on the world stage, CVA athletes demonstrated the depth, versatility, and commitment that define the Big Dog community.
Formal lab report writing has been a cornerstone of the CVA Science Department for many years. First instituted by teachers and published scientists, Karen Lanoue-Egan, M.S., and Shelley Koenig, M.S., this practice now spans the science curriculum.
Carrabassett Valley Academy prohibits discrimination against or harassment of any member or group based upon age, gender, race, color, religion, disability, categories sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetic predisposition, ancestry or other categories protected by Maine or federal law. CVA does not discriminate on these bases in the administration of its admission process, scholarship and aid programs, educational policies, athletics, or other school-administered programs.