Clark ALJ Football Team Visits First Children School

On Thursday, August 13, 2026, members of the Arthur L. Johnson (ALJ) High School Crusader Football Team participated in a community service visit to the First Children's School, a specialized education facility serving students with significant learning and developmental needs. The visit brought together high school student-athletes and younger students for shared activities and meaningful interactions.

Union County Life covers Clark high school athletics, student leadership, and community service across all 21 Union County municipalities.

About First Children's School

First Children's School serves students who need highly specialized educational services during critical periods in their development. The school provides cutting-edge services in partnership with student home districts, working directly with school faculty and administration to ensure seamless support.

The school's dedicated staff—including teachers, aides, and therapists—deliver services both at the First Children's School and in the homes of the students they serve. The organization partners with other providers, such as Children's Specialized Hospital and Eden Autism Services, to provide comprehensive support and the highest-quality services possible.

The Visit and Interaction

The ALJ football team visited various classrooms at First Children's School and participated in activities aligned with the school's curriculum. The student-athletes engaged directly with the younger students, creating opportunities for connection, learning, and positive mentorship.

Head Coach Mike Ryan reflected on the experience: "The football program was thrilled to be able to assist with the daily routines and to participate in activities held at the First Children School. It was fun watching our Crusader student athletes as they interacted with the children, and I think both groups not only enjoyed the experience, but learned a lot while doing it."

Coach Ryan's observation highlights how community service benefits both the volunteers and the recipients—creating meaningful connections and mutual learning.

Impact and Student Leadership

The visit reflects the values of the ALJ football program: leadership beyond athletics, commitment to community, and recognition of the importance of serving others. High school student-athletes serve as role models and mentors, using their position and energy to support younger and more vulnerable community members.

The members of the ALJ football team expressed gratitude to everyone at First Children's School for welcoming them and creating "a fabulous day" of connection and shared purpose.

School Community Service

The ALJ football team's visit demonstrates Clark's commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes who understand the importance of giving back to the community. Such service opportunities teach leadership, empathy, and civic responsibility alongside athletic excellence.

Find more Clark high school news, athletics, and student achievement on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: What did the ALJ football team do at First Children's School?
A: The Crusader Football Team visited classrooms, participated in curriculum-related activities, and interacted with students who receive specialized educational services.

Q: What is First Children's School?
A: A specialized education facility that serves students who need highly specialized educational and developmental services, providing support both at school and in students' homes.

Q: Who leads the ALJ football program?
A: Head Coach Mike Ryan leads the Crusader Football Team.

Q: What did Coach Ryan say about the visit?
A: Coach Ryan said the team was "thrilled" to participate and believed both groups "enjoyed the experience, but learned a lot while doing it."

Q: Why do high school teams do community service visits?
A: Community service visits teach student-athletes leadership, empathy, and civic responsibility while benefiting the communities they serve and the individuals they interact with.

Q: How does First Children's School partner with students' home districts?
A: The school works with school faculty and administration in students' home districts to provide specialized services and support, ensuring continuity of care.

Q: What organizations does First Children's partner with?
A: First Children's partners with organizations including Children's Specialized Hospital and Eden Autism Services to provide comprehensive, cutting-edge support.