Saratoga Springs High School has earned the National Banner Unified Champion School status for the second time. This distinction marks the highest level of achievement for Unified Champion Schools in the nation, recognizing their leadership in creating inclusive school communities where all students are accepted and celebrated. Saratoga Springs High School is now one of only 36 National Banner schools statewide.
To earn National Banner status, schools must meet 10 standards of excellence, demonstrating their commitment to Unified Sports, inclusive youth leadership, and whole-school engagement. Schools must also show that their inclusive programs are sustainable for the long term.
“I am so proud of the work our students, past and present, have done to create and grow inclusive opportunities in our building,” said SSHS Physical Education Teacher and Coach Colleen Belanger. “Our hope is to continue to increase the visibility of Unified programs and show the positive impact it has on our school and community.”
In Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools, students with and without disabilities play on the same sports teams and take physical education courses together. Our high school is proud to offer Unified Bocce, Unified Bowling, and Unified Basketball. Students who participate learn inclusive leadership skills and lead campaigns and activities that engage the entire school community to promote inclusion among their peers.