At its annual Night of Champions, Special Olympics New Jersey honors and celebrates outstanding individuals and groups.
In the year leading up to the big event, award candidates are identified and nominated by their peers. These nominations are reviewed by a committee, and finally the award recipients are revealed. Awards categories include 13 outstanding county athletes, several volunteers, spirit awards, Special Olympics New Jersey Hall of Fame, Law Enforcement Torch Run Hall of Fame, and a Lifetime Achievement award.
The Outstanding Unified School Award recognizes schools that have demonstrated a superior commitment to inclusion, acceptance, respect and dignity for all by integrating Special Olympics Initiatives into their school programs and culture, and embracing the motto, “Play Unified. Live Unified.”
We celebrate Macopin Middle School for their remarkable commitment to inclusion and the Unified Generation. Since 2007, a partnership with the U.S. Department of Education and Special Olympics North America has helped schools engage students with and without intellectual disabilities through Unified Sports and Inclusive Youth Leadership. The award was presented by Youth Activation Committee Members Grace Kurowski and Sofia Bohn.
GRACE
“Macopin Middle School has truly embraced this mission. They create a welcoming environment where every student feels valued.
SOFIA
Their programs, from Highlanders United Club to the Macopin Maestros Unified Percussion Ensemble, encourage friendships and break down barriers.
GRACE
And they mean business on the sports side, too, Sofia!
SOFIA
So true, Grace! Macopin competed in their first Unified Cup Bowling tournament last year…and took home the first place trophy in BOTH divisions! And the next week they competed in the Middle School March Madness basketball tournament!
GRACE
Pretty impressive! So is this…we also congratulate Macopin on earning recognition as a National Banner Unified Champion School this year!
SOFIA
Macopin Middle School’s accomplishments as a Unified Champion School are inspiring. Their dedication to inclusion and advocacy alongside individuals with disabilities is a reality they live every day. This strong sense of belonging will last throughout their students’ educational careers and beyond.”