Mrs. O’Connor’s Paddle for Inclusion

Monique O’Connor was the first teacher Colden had when we started at Schroon Lake Central. He entered first grade as a painfully shy 6 year old. Being in a new school with a new teacher and new classmates was scary! It was in first grade that he noticed the playground wasn't accessible to students with disabilities. This was also the year that Lincoln started to travel to Delaware for medical appointments and necessary surgeries. Colden often chose not to travel for those appointments so it was Mrs. O'Connor who took the extra time and gave extra care to be sure he was okay at home with family and friends while we were away. With her guidance, Colden adapted quickly to his new setting and grew exponentially! His confidence exploded, his academics soared, his empathy for others flourished, and lifelong friendships were established. Now, Colden is in fifth grade, and Lincoln is in first with Mrs. O'Connor. The very teacher who shaped Colden's school experience in Schroon Lake and went above and beyond for our family then, did it again for Lincoln and other students who struggle with accessing our playgrounds. In September 2025, Mo completed her 90 Mile Paddle for Inclusion from Long Lake to Tupper Lake with Adirondack Inclusion Movement represented on her canoe. She raised over $5,000 for our playground project! What an incredible act of generosity and dedication to Schroon Lake kids!