CTC Academy Celebrates Baseball Day with Special Guests and Support from the New York Mets

Fair Lawn, NJ — [April 2025] — CTC Academy hosted their annual Baseball Day on the field next to campus. Students and staff were joined by their Midland Park Buddies and Kevin Ulmer, Superintendent of Midland Park Schools, for a day of outdoor fun, baseball warm-ups, and games that promoted teamwork and inclusion.

As part of the celebration, each student received a team jersey donated by the New York Mets, and a personalized baseball card!

The Mets involvement was made possible thanks to Kassie Harrelson, CTC Academy’s current Physical Therapy student. Kassie helped organize and run the day, while also sharing a personal and heartfelt tribute to her late father, Derrel McKinley “Bud” Harrelson (June 6, 1944 – January 11, 2024).

Bud Harrelson was a former MLB shortstop, coach, and manager, best known for his years with the New York Mets. He played in the 1969 World Series, coached the 1986 championship team, and was inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame. Bud is the only person in Mets history to be part of both World Series wins and appeared in four playoff seasons.

In honoring her father’s legacy, Kassie said, “He would be proud and honored to have the Mets support CTC’s Baseball Day.” Her contribution and the Mets’ generosity added inspiration and joy to our annual event.

Special thanks to two of our amazing teachers, Mr. Mickey and Mr. Derrick, who led the students in some friendly competition and to Ms. Delmarie, CTC Academy’s Social Worker, who coordinated with Midland Park School Buddies to join the celebration and Ms. Angela for the wonderful student baseball cards.

“This was a day of teamwork, joy, and community spirit,” said Sue Brand, Fair Lawn Principal. “We’re so thankful to everyone who helped make Baseball Day an unforgettable experience for our students.”

Go Mets!

CTC Academy is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that provides educational and therapeutic services for students with a diverse array of developmental disabilities through our collaborative educational program and support services for students and families.

We first opened our doors as the Cerebral Palsy Center of Bergen County, NJ, on March 29, 1950. We began as a Center for children with Cerebral Palsy but over the past 70 years we have evolved into an innovative education institution that provides creative education and advanced therapies to students with many different types of disabilities – students who face physical, medical and developmental challenges.

Now we offer two schools and follow the school continuum from Preschool through age 21 as well as Early Enrichment for children ages 18 months through 3 years. Our Fair Lawn Campus serves students 18 months through 7 years of age. The Oakland Campus serves students 7 through 21 years of age.

Our Mission: Enhancing the lives of children and young adults with special needs, and their families, by providing an enriched educational, therapeutic and supportive environment.

Our Vision: Fulfilling the potential of all people with special needs.

To support The CTC Academy and our mission, visit us at ctcacademy.org Now enrolling! For more information contact CTC at (201) 797-7440 or (201) 612-5677