Wyoming — At Wyoming High School, senior Teagyn Ager is known for bringing students together and making sure all are included.
Senior Keegan Harper is known for his ability to drum up energy and enthusiasm, getting the crowd going at sporting events.
As members of Special Olympics Unified Sports, they see each other’s involvement in Unified basketball as having had a positive effect on the school.
The program brings together students with and without intellectual disabilities to play on the same athletic teams.The district recently earned recognition as a Class of 2026 national banner school through Special Olympics Unified Champions Schools.
Teagyn, a general education student, and Keegan, a special education student, have played basketball together since they were freshmen. They’ve participated in events such as Inclusion Week, when they host a home Unified basketball game.
‘My intent was to just have fun and make memories because that’s what senior year is all about.’
— senior Teagyn Ager
“I’ve always been connected with the special education programs (since elementary school), and I find it to be so heartwarming,” Teagyn said. “I find so much joy in seeing kids get opportunities and have so much fun doing things they might never get to do. I like being a part of that and encouraging them along the way.”
“I am a very loyal man on the team,” added Keegan. “I am actually the OG.”
Keegan and Teagyn
Last Friday night during halftime of the Wyoming Wolves football game, Teagyn and Keegan represented the school on Homecoming Court. At WHS, though students can vote for anyone in the senior class for the court, students run for the honor in pairs, mainly through social media.
Teagyn, when considering a run, reached out to Keegan, who loved the idea.
“My intent was to just have fun and make memories because that’s what senior year is all about,” she said. “I knew I wanted to run and I was like, ‘Well, I don’t have anyone to run with’ and Keegan popped in my head. I just knew Keegan would have so much fun if he was on court.”
“I was like, ‘Sure, why not!” said Keegan, who wore a bright blue fedora and suit for the occasion. “I love it. It is a great opportunity to do this with a friend.”
As for their names having the perfect ring together, Keegan added, “I feel like she did that purpose! I know that’s not the reason, but it was like (she said) ‘I want someone who rhymes with me.’”
The duo said being together on court promotes inclusivity, which they said has grown at WHS since Unified Sports began. Though they weren’t crowned Homecoming Royals, as the school refers to the top vote-getters announced at halftime, that’s not what it was all about, they said.
“The whole experience isn’t about winning; it’s just to have fun,” Teagyn said.
Promoting Unity
Unified Sports brings people together, as Teagyn sees it.
“It’s a way to give opportunities to students who might not always get them,” she said. “I love seeing how we are able to include everyone and really involve everyone in everything.
“You see so many kids around the school interacting and just being so welcoming to the kids. When we have a (Unified Sports) home basketball game the energy and the excitement in the gym is so amazing to see. Everyone is out there supporting them.”
Keegan said he loves that everyone can be part of Unified Sports.
“It’s great to see people actually be able to play,” he said.” You see your opponents — some of them are in wheelchairs or have walkers and they are still able to play. It’s really beautiful to see.”
As for his own experience: “It feels nice when your name is called out. People are genuinely screaming and cheering for you.”
Teacher Anna Servo-Christians said she has immense pride in Keegan and Teagyn. During her 11 years of teaching, Keegan is the only student in special education to make it on the Homecoming Court.
“Keegan shines so bright! He has never been afraid to be who he is,” she said. “Everywhere he goes, he goes with a positive intention and he leads just out of kindness and wanting to make people feel included and comfortable.”
She recalled how he ran around jumping in the air and started a push-up contest during the home Unified Basketball game to involve the crowd.
“He is the one at assemblies who will hype kids up. He will recognize that it’s quiet and he gets kids going.”
Teagyn, who is committed to play softball at Calvin University next year, also serves as a peer mentor at WHS, helping students in special education develop skills for future jobs. She is considering a career in occupational therapy.
She also plays high school softball, basketball and volleyball and is involved in National Honor Society and Student Council as the senior class vice president.
“Teagyn does everything just because she does it,” Servo-Christiaans said. “There’s no ulterior motive; there’s nothing she is trying to prove or do. She just wants people to feel like they are a part of things and included.”
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