December Impact on inclusion award: Brookland High School
This month, Brookland High School has been filled with the warm aromas of cinnamon, peaches, and teamwork as they launched their very own Inclusive Pie Contest! What started as a creative classroom idea quickly transformed into a school-wide celebration of collaboration, accessibility, and hands-on learning.
Their commitment to inclusive practices has always shaped the way they design learning experiences, and this project became a beautiful example of what inclusion looks like in action. In fact, the success and spirit of their Inclusive Pie Contest earned Brookland High School the December Impact on Inclusion Award, recognizing their efforts to create meaningful, shared learning opportunities for all students.
To begin the project, the created a list of students and allowed everyone the opportunity to sign up in mixed-ability groups. Each team worked in groups of three—a purposeful structure that ensured every student had a role and a voice. After forming their groups, students selected the type of pie they wanted to make. Then the real work (and fun!) began.
Teams researched their pies, identified the ingredients they would need, and created their own “First, Next, Then, Last” direction packets complete with step-by-step instructions and a shopping list. With their plans finished, they provided all the ingredients so students could focus on learning, collaborating, and baking.
On Friday, their kitchen space transformed into a lively hub of activity. Students measured, mixed, laughed, problem-solved, and supported one another as they began baking their pies. Their teamwork showcased exactly why inclusive learning experiences matter—every student contributed, learned new skills, and took pride in their work.
To make the event even more exciting, they recruited adults to serve as judges. Each day, four to five pies have been evaluated, creating a sense of anticipation as teams wait to see whose pie will be judged next. Judges have been impressed not only with the flavors but also with the thoughtfulness and effort behind each creation.
Throughout the entire process, they used a shared tracking document to monitor each group’s stage—research, planning, prepping, baking, or judging. This helped ensure that groups stayed on track while giving students a way to visualize their progress.
Brookland High School’s recognition as the December Impact on Inclusion Award recipient highlights what we already know: when students are empowered to collaborate, create, and learn together, incredible things happen. The Inclusive Pie Contest has been a joyful celebration of learning, teamwork, and the inclusive spirit that defines our school community.
And with more pies still being judged each day, the fun—and deliciousness—is far from over!
To learn more or find out how your school can get involved, contact Jennifer Edwards and take the first step toward making inclusion a way of life.
Their commitment to inclusive practices has always shaped the way they design learning experiences, and this project became a beautiful example of what inclusion looks like in action. In fact, the success and spirit of their Inclusive Pie Contest earned Brookland High School the December Impact on Inclusion Award, recognizing their efforts to create meaningful, shared learning opportunities for all students.
To begin the project, the created a list of students and allowed everyone the opportunity to sign up in mixed-ability groups. Each team worked in groups of three—a purposeful structure that ensured every student had a role and a voice. After forming their groups, students selected the type of pie they wanted to make. Then the real work (and fun!) began.
Teams researched their pies, identified the ingredients they would need, and created their own “First, Next, Then, Last” direction packets complete with step-by-step instructions and a shopping list. With their plans finished, they provided all the ingredients so students could focus on learning, collaborating, and baking.
On Friday, their kitchen space transformed into a lively hub of activity. Students measured, mixed, laughed, problem-solved, and supported one another as they began baking their pies. Their teamwork showcased exactly why inclusive learning experiences matter—every student contributed, learned new skills, and took pride in their work.
To make the event even more exciting, they recruited adults to serve as judges. Each day, four to five pies have been evaluated, creating a sense of anticipation as teams wait to see whose pie will be judged next. Judges have been impressed not only with the flavors but also with the thoughtfulness and effort behind each creation.
Throughout the entire process, they used a shared tracking document to monitor each group’s stage—research, planning, prepping, baking, or judging. This helped ensure that groups stayed on track while giving students a way to visualize their progress.
Brookland High School’s recognition as the December Impact on Inclusion Award recipient highlights what we already know: when students are empowered to collaborate, create, and learn together, incredible things happen. The Inclusive Pie Contest has been a joyful celebration of learning, teamwork, and the inclusive spirit that defines our school community.
And with more pies still being judged each day, the fun—and deliciousness—is far from over!
To learn more or find out how your school can get involved, contact Jennifer Edwards and take the first step toward making inclusion a way of life.
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Published December 2025
