January Impact on Inclusion Award: Mulberry High School

The school recognized for their impact on inclusion showed that it takes a village to create an inclusive environment, and when that village comes together they show everyone what it means to be inclusive. The community in Mulberry came together in a time of need to help their athletes be involved in every aspect of their school. Congratulations to Mulberry High School for being recognized as the January Impact on Inclusion award recipient!
____________________
Mulberry High School hosted a Halloween Costume Contest as a school fundraiser. Logan, a Special Olympics Arkansas athlete, wanted to participate in the contest, but needed a costume. Many members of the school including the Special Education Teacher, East Lab Teacher, Home Economics Teacher, other athletes and Unified partners at Mulberry sprung into action to create a costume for Logan to wear. As a joint effort, Logan was transformed into a weatherman. The student population in the lunchroom cheered so loud for him when his name was announced and cheered even louder when he won the contest. The dedication to create an inclusive environment for all students and athletes was shown in more ways than one during the costume contest.
____________________
About Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools®:
The Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools program is aimed at promoting social inclusion through intentionally planned and implemented activities affecting systems-wide change in K–12 schools and across college campuses. With sports as the foundation, the three component model offers a unique combination of effective activities that equip young people with tools and training to create sports, classroom and school climates of acceptance. These are school climates where students with disabilities feel welcome and are routinely included in, and feel a part of, all activities, opportunities and functions.
If you would like your school to get involved with Unified Champion Schools, reach out to Jennifer Edwards.
____________________
Mulberry High School hosted a Halloween Costume Contest as a school fundraiser. Logan, a Special Olympics Arkansas athlete, wanted to participate in the contest, but needed a costume. Many members of the school including the Special Education Teacher, East Lab Teacher, Home Economics Teacher, other athletes and Unified partners at Mulberry sprung into action to create a costume for Logan to wear. As a joint effort, Logan was transformed into a weatherman. The student population in the lunchroom cheered so loud for him when his name was announced and cheered even louder when he won the contest. The dedication to create an inclusive environment for all students and athletes was shown in more ways than one during the costume contest.
____________________
About Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools®:
The Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools program is aimed at promoting social inclusion through intentionally planned and implemented activities affecting systems-wide change in K–12 schools and across college campuses. With sports as the foundation, the three component model offers a unique combination of effective activities that equip young people with tools and training to create sports, classroom and school climates of acceptance. These are school climates where students with disabilities feel welcome and are routinely included in, and feel a part of, all activities, opportunities and functions.
If you would like your school to get involved with Unified Champion Schools, reach out to Jennifer Edwards.
Published January 2025