Unified on and off the field
March 9, 2018
While the world cheered on noteworthy skiers and skaters at the 2018 Winter Olympics, White Knoll High marked an Olympics-sized milestone for its own athletes the way high schools typically do — with a pep rally.
Taking a page out of the Olympics ceremonies handbook, WKHS celebrated Special Olympics athletes and their Unified Sports partners with fanfare, cheerleaders and a drum line.
A National Unified Champion School banner from Special Olympics now hangs proudly in WKHS’s gymnasium, commemorating the school’s dedication to providing opportunities for students with disabilities. WKHS earned its banner for meeting national standards of respect, advocacy and inclusion.
The school not only supports its Special Olympics athletes through Unified Sports, but students also extend the spirit of equality throughout the school. Special Education Teacher Jonny R. Thompson praised students for creating a school culture that makes everyone feel welcome and valued, no matter their level of ability.
Thompson hopes others will follow WKHS’s example of being truly unified.
