This summer, the Johnston City School District jumped at the chance to give back to their community.
The Johnston City High School Business Club has been involved in Special Olympics Illinois for several years and will be a part of selling ducks for the Southern Illinois Ducky Derby Dash set to take place at the Du Quoin State Fair on September 1.
“Selling ducks is a great way to help support Special Olympics Illinois and get our students and community involved to help,” says Coach Patti Parks.
“Our cheerleaders and student councils have sold ducks to raise awareness for Special Olympics Illinois, and raise money for our division at the same time.”
The club has sold ducks all over southern Illinois including at the Johnston City fireworks show and outside of Walmart. They will continue sales at the Du Quoin State Fair on Sunday, August 25.
Last year was the second year for Johnston City Elementary to have an athlete participate in Special Olympics Illinois. Matthew Garza, 9, 
from Johnston City, Illinois participates in both athletics and basketball. His Johnston City Elementary classmates were excited to watch him compete in the Region K Spring Games where Matthew took home first place in both the 25-meter wheelchair race and the tennis ball throw in 2018 and 2019. Matthew is always determined to play his best, even skipping recess to practice his tennis ball throwing.
“We are looking forward to adding more Special Olympics Illinois athletes to the JC Quack Attack Tribe this year as well as attending the Southern Illinois Ducky Derby Dash.”