Multiple districts — Comstock Park High School and Wyoming High School have been recognized for their commitment to inclusion through programs that bring together students with and without intellectual disabilities.
The schools earned recognition as Class of 2026 national banner schools through Special Olympics Unified Champions Schools for achieving 10 standards of excellence around programming, inclusivity, youth leadership and whole-school engagement.
Comstock Park High School special education teacher Danelle Hovenkamp introduced the program in 2024. Students participate in bowling, basketball, bocce and volleyball, and have hosted a Unified basketball tournament and a championship match known as a Gold Game.
The Youth Activation Committee, a yearlong student organization, plans and implements the programs and has hosted many inclusive events.
“We have students that are excited to plan events to support inclusion, cheer on Unified teams, and become better leaders,” Hovenkamp said. “Students in our building know what Unified is; they want to be involved, and they want to make it great.”
In Wyoming, high school English teacher Joslyn O’Dell and special education teacher Anna Servo-Christiaans started Unified Sports in 2023 and have students participating in basketball, bocce ball and cheer. They also offer a Unified Club where students with and without disability spend time together.
“(The award is) a reflection of the hard work our school has put in over the last few years to ensure students with disabilities are fully included alongside their peers,” said Servo-Christiaans. “Beyond that, it shows in everything we do — our kids truly love, support, and include each other every single day.”
Reporter Joanne Bailey-Boorsma contributed to this story.
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