A.C. Flora High named Special Olympics National Banner Unified Champion School
November 30, 2023
A.C. Flora High School has been named a National Banner Unified Champion School by the Special Olympics. The school held a celebration for the achievement November 21. A.C. Flora was one of three high schools in South Carolina to receive the designation this year.
“A.C. Flora High School’s staff and students have created a culture, throughout the entire school community, which demonstrates a sincere commitment to acceptance and inclusion,” Barry Coats, Special Olympics South Carolina president and CEO, said in a congratulatory letter to A.C. Flora.
“Special Olympics South Carolina embraces the opportunity to partner with A.C. Flora to establish sustainable programs to further our ‘Inclusion Revolution.’ Together we can strive to transform our communities to ensure that people of all abilities are included and accepted for their wonderful spirit and the light they bring to the world,” Coats said.
A.C. Flora High School has been named a National Banner Unified Champion School by the Special Olympics. The school held a celebration for the achievement November 21.
Richland One is a Unified Champion School District, which means that all Richland One schools are engaged in activities with Special Olympics to support an inclusive and collaborative school climate.
Unified Champion Schools, like A.C. Flora, that demonstrate commitment to inclusion by meeting 10 standards of excellence receive national banner recognition.
“This honor is a huge honor and speaks to how the A.C. Flora community treats one another. We have a spirit of inclusion and respect throughout this school and community,” said A.C. Flora Principal Susan Childs. The 10 standards of excellence met to earn the recognition were developed by a national panel of leaders from Special Olympics and the education community. The primary activities within those standards include: Special Olympics Unified Sports® (where students with and without disabilities train and compete as teammates), Inclusive Youth Leadership and Whole-School Engagement.
Last year, Crayton Middle School received national banner recognition.
