Schools with this designation have demonstrated a commitment to inclusion by meeting 10 standards of excellence developed by a national panel of leaders from Special Olympics and the education community

For its sustained efforts to bring together students with and without disabilities, Prairie High School has been named a National Banner Unified Champion School by Special Olympics. Schools with this designation have demonstrated a commitment to inclusion by meeting 10 standards of excellence developed by a national panel of leaders from Special Olympics and the education community. Approximately 800 schools across the country have been designated National Banner Unified Champion Schools. Prairie is one of just two schools in Southwest Washington to hold the designation currently.

At the end of this month, Prairie will hold a school-wide celebration. Media are invited to a special presentation of the banner during a school assembly featuring members of the school’s Unified Sports and Club.

When: Friday, March 29

Time: Arrive at 1:15 p.m. The assembly begins at 1:35 p.m., and the banner celebration will take place at the start of the event.

Location: Prairie High School, 11311 NE 119th St., Vancouver, WA 98662. The assembly will take place in the main gym. All visitors must check into the front office upon arrival and receive a visitor’s pass.

Please confirm your participation by emailing communication@battlegroundps.org.

To promote an inclusive environment, Prairie offers Unified basketball and soccer, where students with and without disabilities train and compete as teammates. Unified sports are recognized along with other sports during school events and activities and in school communication. Unified athletes compete in district, regional and state tournaments, and are celebrated for their accomplishments.

The school also has a Unified club that participates in events along with Prairie’s Associated Student Body leaders. Last year club members created more than 600 kindness cards and handed them out during the school year to staff, students and volunteers. The club also promotes inclusion during the school’s Inspire Week, an event designed to uplift others.

“We’ve worked hard for this recognition,” said Donna Eskelson-Smith, the school’s Unified Sports coordinator. “The banner shows how much Prairie High School values inclusion.”

Information provided by Battle Ground School District.