A Wish Come True for Sammie
Together with the organization Dream On 3, Georgia Tech student-athletes and coaches wanted to make sure Sammie Padgett, a girl with a life-altering chromosome condition, had a weekend she would never forget — so they welcomed her to campus for Homecoming.
A very special 12-year-old from our community suited up and hit the field with Georgia Tech’s student-athletes for Homecoming weekend.
Sammie was born with a rare chromosomal disorder that makes her prone to seizures and has affected her development. This often left her feeling isolated and excluded, but she’s found joy through sports and competing in the Special Olympics. She is a huge softball and volleyball fan, and, as it turns out, also a big fan of the Yellow Jackets.
Together with the organization Dream On 3, Georgia Tech student-athletes and coaches wanted to make sure Sammie had a weekend she would never forget — so they welcomed her to campus for Homecoming.
Sammie’s weekend started with the Tech softball team. She took part in practice and warmups with the players. Then it was on to visit with the nationally ranked Georgia Tech volleyball team, and Sammie got to hang out in the locker room before the Jackets played the University of Virginia.
Homecoming weekend at Georgia Tech wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Bobby Dodd Stadium. Sammie was fitted for her own cheerleading uniform, and joined the cheer team for the pregame traditions in Yellow Jacket Alley before being recognized on the field — where the football team brought home a victory against Duke.
“I cannot say enough great things about the Athletics staff that we worked with at Georgia Tech to make Sammie’s dream experience so memorable,” said Amelia White, volunteer and operations manager for Dream On 3. “Each team each took the time to speak with Sammie and spend quality time with her. They all provided Sammie and her family with a lifetime of memories.”