SHEPHERDSVILLE, KY — Bullitt County Public Schools (BCPS) is proud to recognize Bullitt East High School Assistant Principal Ondrea Smallwood, current BEHS student Olivia Pruitt, and former BEHS student Mya for their outstanding representation of Team Kentucky at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota this summer.
As part of the Youth Leadership Experience (YLE), the trio spent nine impactful days immersed in an environment built on acceptance, leadership development, and hands-on service. For BEHS Assistant Principal Ondrea Smallwood, who served as the YLE Mentor for Team Kentucky, the trip provided a powerful vision of what inclusive communities can achieve.
"Serving as the YLE Mentor at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota was truly a life-altering experience," shared Smallwood. "For nine incredible days, I was immersed in an environment where every person was valued, respected, and celebrated exactly as they were. It was a powerful reminder of what our world should look like every day."
Throughout the Games, the leaders gained hands-on experience in event management, led activity stations for young children with intellectual and physical disabilities, and collaborated with delegation teams from across the nation to bring new inclusion strategies back to local schools.
For current BEHS student Olivia Pruitt, stepping into this national spotlight offered both personal and social growth. Pruitt highlighted that one of her biggest takeaways was "meeting new friends from different states like Team Washington, and getting out of my comfort zone like networking." She added that among all the memorable moments, she especially loved "volunteering with 2–7 Young Athletes."
That spirit of connection and purpose resonated deeply across the entire group. Former BEHS student Mya reflected on how the Youth Leadership Experience reshaped her understanding of what it means to lead.
"This experience has truly been life-changing," Mya noted. "Through the Youth Leadership Experience, I learned that leadership is about serving others, building meaningful relationships, and embracing inclusion while creating opportunities for everyone to succeed. In the classroom, we learned the importance of networking, using our voices to inspire change, and recognizing that every role matters."
Mya added that seeing the joy on the athletes' faces and cheering on Team Kentucky highlighted the true power of community. "Their determination and resilience reminded me what true inclusion looks like," she said. "I leave this experience with a grateful heart, and I hope to use what I have learned to make a positive difference in the lives of others."
A Week of Leadership & Inclusion: Behind the Scenes in Minnesota
During their nine days at the USA Games, the Team Kentucky YLE leaders followed a rigorous daily schedule that balanced operational event training with energetic support for local athletes:
Sunday: Classroom leadership training on spreading inclusion, followed by assembling equipment, strollers, slides, and obstacle courses for the Young Athletes events.
Monday: Facilitating interactive stations at the superhero-themed Young Athletes event, including the Superhero Villain and Superhero Hideout stations.
Tuesday: Completing an Event Management Scavenger Hunt to study large-scale event operations behind the scenes, while cheering on Team Kentucky in swimming, basketball, and gymnastics.
Wednesday: Assisting children through balance-bike obstacle courses at the Strider bike station, while also catching Team Kentucky’s Flag Football games.
Thursday: Goal-setting workshops focused on bringing inclusive practices back to Kentucky schools and communities, followed by an evening YLE celebration Silent Disco.
Friday: Dedicating a full final day in the stands supporting Team Kentucky competitors in Track, Bocce, and Basketball.
Reflecting on the physical preparation and hands-on work, from inflating punching bags to guiding young children through activity courses, Smallwood expressed immense pride in the team's growth.
"Watching my young leaders grow while witnessing the incredible spirit of inclusion that defines Special Olympics is something I will carry with me forever," Smallwood said. "I am grateful to have been part of an experience that not only changed lives but also reaffirmed the power of acceptance, leadership, and belonging."
Learn More & Media Coverage
To read the full feature story on Team Kentucky's Youth Leadership Experience written by Special Olympics Kentucky, visit:
🔗 Special Olympics Kentucky YLE Feature
Bullitt County Public Schools extends its warmest congratulations to Mrs. Smallwood, Olivia Pruitt, and Mya for serving as exemplary role models and champions for inclusion on the national stage!