For the second consecutive year, an Anne Arundel County school is being recognized for the ways in which it cultivates climates, of kindness, acceptance, inclusion, and belonging.
Crofton High School, one of six county schools named a Special Olympics Unified Champion National Banner school last month, was recently named to the 2023 ESPN Honor Roll. It is one of 40 schools across the nation, selected from the 2023 class of 205 national banner schools, to receive the honor. The award is earned by schools that show a consistent demonstration of inclusive practices and commitment to Unified National Champion schools are those that show a consistent to 10 standards, including inclusive youth leadership, whole school engagement, and inclusive youth leadership.
“This honor is a testament to the work led by former Principal Kathryn Feuerherd and the staff, students, and community who have carried out a vision of inclusivity and acceptance since the day Crofton High School opened,” first-year Principal Greg Ryan said, adding that the phrase Together Cards Fly – a reference to the school’s mascot and mantra – “is more than just words. It is the way we all try to carry ourselves every day.”
In addition to Crofton, Broadneck, Severna Park, and South River high schools were named Unified Champion schools for the first time this year and Northeast and Southern high schools renewed their status on the list of 2023 National Banner Unified Champion Schools. Also this year, Northeast Middle School and Old Mill Middle School South became the first county schools to earn the state honor at the middle school level.
With a motto of “Choose to Include,” the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools program is aimed at promoting social inclusion through intentionally planned and implemented activities affecting systems-wide change and the creation of school climates where students with disabilities feel welcome and are routinely included in, and feel a part of, all activities, opportunities, and functions.
AACPS offers three Unified Sports programs throughout the year – tennis (fall), bowling (winter), and bocce (spring) – in which student-athletes with and without disabilities train and compete as equal teammates in athletic competition. The program allows all student-athletes to learn about and exhibit good sportsmanship, build positive self-esteem, learn sport-specific skills, improve physical fitness, foster new friendships, and develop and enhance the concept of teamwork. Special Olympics Maryland strives to extend these values beyond the team roster, reaching all students through inclusive youth leadership and whole school engagement.
As a result of the commitment to inclusivity and acceptances, schools are able to reduce bullying and exclusion, promote inclusive friendships, overturn negative attitudes, decrease hurtful language in schools and the community, develop students’ leadership skills, and create communities of caring and respect.
To learn more about AACPS’ Unified Sports programs, click here.