There are almost 3,000 schools in the state of Missouri, and of those schools only five have been recognized as Unified Champions for the Special Olympics. PBHS is one of those schools.
During an assembly Tuesday morning in the PBHS gym, representatives with Missouri Special Olympics presented PBHS with an official banner — signifying that PBHS is one of the few locations in the state to hold this distinction.
“One thing that really stands out at this school is the student leadership,” stated Ben Johnson with the Missouri Special Olympics after presenting the banner. “Our hope is that we want this to grow and see it become district-wide.”
Poplar Bluff R-I Superintendent Aaron Cornman addressed everyone in attendance and spoke of the pride that he feels for the recognition.
“Watching the students embrace such a feeling of inclusion for everyone is an extreme source of pride for me,” Cornman noted. “I want all of you to always remember that, no matter whatever a person’s cognitive ability, the should always be included and treated equally as one of the Poplar Bluff Mules.”
Prior to the presentation, a video was played that portrayed students and faculty giving their own interpretation of what inclusion means. Following the video, there was a three-on-three basketball game where students demonstrated how well they play together and support each other.
Poplar Bluff Mayor Shane Cornman later presented a proclamation from the city of Poplar Bluff to mark the occasion. Following the proclamation, teacher Steven Patty encouraged everyone to cheer loudly while he splattered coach Tyler Mathys in the face with a cream pie.
The Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools program is accomplished by implementing inclusive sports, inclusive youth leadership opportunities, and engagement throughout the entire school. The program is designed to be a regular part of the function of the school, in order to facilitate meaningful change in creating a socially inclusive school that supports and engages all students.