RUMFORD – Jacqueline Perkins Schroeder has been chosen as the head track coach representing Arizona in the 2006 Summer Special Olympics in Ames, Iowa, July 2 to 7. Schroeder is the daughter of Gerald and Joyce Perkins of Orrington and the granddaughter of Raymond and Louise Perkins of Orrington.

Schroeder and her husband, Stephen, reside in Flagstaff, Ariz., where they both work with developmentally challenged and special needs individuals for the Hozhoni Foundation. Her title is adjunct therapist for the Hozhoni Foundation where she and her husband work with special needs individuals ages 18 to 80 years old.

Schroeder, a Rumford High and University of Maine at Orono graduate with degrees in education and studio art; organizes all extra-curricular activities for the foundation as well as teaching and coaching a variety of activities and sports including arts and crafts, cultural dining, with weekly bowling and swimming activities. She also organizes day and weeklong hikes and camp-outs, highlighted by an annual three day rafting trip on the San Juan River. She takes her Special Olympics Sports Teams (involved in a large variety of activities and sports) all over the state of Arizona for competitions.