Seymour High School Principal Jim Freund and Superintendent Susan Compton with Wyatt Smarz.
SEYMOUR – Seymour High School junior Wyatt Smarz gained approval from the town’s Board of Selectpersons on Nov. 19 to hold the town’s first-ever inclusive “This is Me” relay race/walkathon to raise awareness for those with autism and intellectual disabilities.
Wyatt told the board he has autism.
“Those labels don’t define me, my actions do,” Wyatt said.
Wyatt is student director of the high school’s “Best Buddies Club.” The club builds friendships between people with and without intellectual disabilities. Wyatt said it’s important to raise awareness about people’s differences and by hosting a relay race/walkathon.
“I’d like to bring more inclusion to the Town of Seymour,” Wyatt said. “I’m not sure people realize just how many people live with these disabilities in our community. We don’t have the same opportunities as our peers do.”
The “This is Me” walk-a-thon/race is scheduled for March 22, 2025 at the high school track. Wyatt said proceeds from the event will be used to send students to the annual Best Buddies conference in Indiana, as well as to make a donation to Best Buddies of CT.
“Best Buddies has given me so much confidence and has allowed me to believe in myself,” Wyatt said. “I believe this could be a big opportunity for our town. Imagine being able to be part of a sports team, even if it’s just as a helper, so you feel like you belong? Just look at how our community came together for all those affected by the flood. We are a supportive community, so let’s show our intellectually or disabled community that we are here for them.”
First Selectwoman Annmarie Drugonis said the town supports Wyatt’s efforts.
“I will stand right next to you (Wyatt) and we will get this done,” she said. “I see this going very far. I see the hard work you’re putting into this. If I could be half the person you are, then I’ve accomplished a lot in life.”
