Lowell School teaches team work

            One school is teaching life lessons both in the classroom and on the baseball diamond.

            The Lowell School in Flushing provides a structured and supportive learning environment for children, but it also provides them with a physical outlet that all well-rounded kids need.

            “Having this team helps the kids to learn about playing together and teaches them about being committed to something,” said Mitch Pruzan, coach of Lowell’s softball team. “Here, they can have fun being a part of a program.”

            Founded in 1968, the Lowell School accepts children with a range of learning and behavioral disabilities. Their stated goal is to close the gap between their potential and their performance.

            As part of reaching their potential, Lowell entered their team into the Metro League Athletic Conference this season for the first time. They finished with a 5-4 record; over .500 in wins and losses, as well as in positive achievements.

            In a recent game, Lowell squared off against Summit High School, another Queens school that caters to a certain segment of youth. Playing under the Queensborough Bridge in Long Island City, both teams put on a display of what it means to play with heart.

            “Whenever we take the field, we expect to accomplish anything we are capable of accomplishing,” said Pruzan. “They have immense potential in life and playing softball gives them the opportunity to show off their abilities.”

            And Pruzan’s team has no shortage of baseball abilities. Lowell has two batters hitting well over .500, two batting over .400 and one batting over .600. Many of the students are multi-sport athletes with futures as limitless as their potential is endless.

            “These kids continue to impress me every day,” he said. “And not just on the field, but in life in general.”

            Summit coach John Obraitis, whose team is also in an organized league for the first time, agreed and said that sports can go a long way in improving a child’s performance in the classroom.

            “Socially, it doesn’t get any better,” said Obraitis. “Sports teach kids to deal in social situations. In the league, we ride in the van together to every game and we learn about camaraderie and supporting one another.”