NHS one of only two LI schools to receive national banner recognition from Special Olympics
Northport High School administrators and faculty alongside members of the Unified basketball team and Sparkle Squad dance team. Photo courtesy of Northport-East Northport Union Free School District.
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With both current and former members of the Northport High School Unified Sports program in attendance, the Northport-East Northport school district unveiled the official Unified Champion School banner, presented by Special Olympics New York.
The unveiling took place this past Monday, April 15, after the Sparkle Squad halftime show at the first Unified basketball game of the season. During the presentation, Athletic Director Mark Dantuono thanked the many individuals who have supported the program and introduced transition coordinator and Unified Sports coach Cassie Reilly to present the banner.
Reilly spoke about the process of being selected for this honor and how the district met Special Olympics’ ten national standards of excellence, crediting the many people who have contributed to the success of the various inclusive programs, including students, staff and families.
A Unified Champion School receiving national banner recognition is one that has demonstrated commitment to inclusion by meeting standards of excellence developed by a national panel of leaders from Special Olympics and the education community.
Those standards include specific parameters around Unified Sports offerings, inclusive youth leadership, whole-school engagement, and program sustainability. The application process to become a Unified Champion School also includes multiple recommendation letters from administrators, parents and students as well as photos and examples of ways the school promotes inclusivity. The district’s local chapter of Special Olympics also endorsed the Northport High School for the recognition.
According to its website, a Special Olympics Unified Champion School has an inclusive school climate and exudes a sense of collaboration and respect for all members of the student body and staff. The expectation of this recognition is that the ten standards are continuously being met, year after year. To ensure this sustainability, schools reapply for banner status every four years.
Northport High School is one of only two schools on Long Island to have received this honor and was the only Long Island school to be added to the list this year. The recognition was due to the school’s offering of both Unified basketball and Unified bowling, as well as additional inclusive opportunities such as the Best Buddies program, Sparkle Squad dance team, Choose to Include Day celebration and more. The banner will be displayed at Northport High School as a reminder of the honor. Monday’s game continued after the presentation with a win over Commack High School.
