Leah Scheible, a rising junior at Fort Pierce Central High School, made some waves – of the good kind — at this year’s Special Olympics 2018 USA Games held in Seattle, Washington. As one of Florida’s 7-member swim team delegation, she took twin silvers in her individual 200 freestyle event and 4X50 freestyle relay, and she scooped a fourth-place finish in her individual 100 freestyle event.
According to her swim coach, Heather Gray, Scheible is an outstanding athlete. “Leah participates in swim, track, basketball and cheerleading for Saint Lucie County’s Special Olympics. She is equally active on our campus, participating as a varsity athlete on the school’s swim team and track team. She also plays junior varsity ladies basketball.” Gray noted that Scheible is no novice when it comes to vying for medals at Special Olympic events. “As a ninth grader, she took gold in the 100-meter freestyle and silver in the 200-meter freestyle at the recent Special Olympics State Aquatics Championship held in Sebastian, FL,” added Gray. It was at this race that the goal was set for Scheible to qualify for Nationals.
When asked about her next goal, Scheible was very clear that she will continue to compete and wants to go for the gold!
Without a doubt, the 2018 USA Games in Seattle provided the setting to showcase the inspirational talents of athletes with intellectual disabilities. In addition, this 50th anniversary event served as a model for inclusion.
About St. Lucie Public Schools
St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) proudly serves students as the highest-ranking District on the Treasure Coast and fifth in Florida with a graduation rate of 90.1 percent. As a B rated District, there are no failing schools, and SLPS is amongst the State’s top one-third for school grade rankings. The District also has the distinction of being recognized as one of St. Lucie County’s Best Places to Work. The mission of SLPS is to ensure all students graduate from safe and caring schools equipped with the knowledge, skills and desire to succeed. For more information, visit, http://www.stlucieschools.org.
