On Friday, February 20, Roncalli was officially recognized as a Champions Together Unified Champion School, a distinction that celebrates schools fostering inclusion and unity through athletics. The announcement came during the spirited senior vs. staff games assembly, where students and staff cheered as Roncalli received a commemorative banner from Brian Avery, the director of Champions Together.
This prestigious honor is awarded to schools that meet standards of excellence developed by leaders from Special Olympics and the education community. The program emphasizes collaborative fundraising, unified sports, whole-school engagement and inclusive youth leadership.
Roncalli earned the Champions Together designation by demonstrating excellence in four key areas:
• Inclusive Youth Leadership – Roncalli’s Athletic Leadership Council promotes student leadership opportunities that foster inclusion and advocacy.
• Whole-School Engagement – The school organizes activities that encourage awareness, respect and inclusion of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Last year, students produced a video shown in homerooms to promote inclusion. This year, Roncalli furthered its commitment by hosting the Polar Plunge on campus to support its fundraising goals.
• Unified Sports – Roncalli offers inclusive sports programs that bring together students of all abilities, including track and field, bocce and bowling.
• Collaborative Fundraising – Schools must raise a minimum of $1,500 for Special Olympics to qualify. Roncalli has exceeded expectations, raising $5,600 so far this year.
This recognition highlights Roncalli’s ongoing dedication to building a school community where every student is valued, included and empowered to succeed.
Michelle Roberts, director of special services at Roncalli, said, “The Roncalli community is proud of the way our students have tackled the challenge to earn the Champions Together designation. Acceptance and inclusion align perfectly with our Catholic beliefs in human dignity and respect. Our faculty and staff see the pillars of Champions Together exemplified in our classrooms, hallways and athletic fields every day.”