New Hyde Park Memorial High School recognized as national unified champion school

The Sewanhaka Central High School District is celebrating a significant milestone in its commitment to inclusion and student achievement. During the recent Board of Education meeting, Mallory Paladro, the director of special education, presented exciting updates about the district's Unified Sports and Special Olympics programs, highlighting their positive impact on students.

This year, all five schools in the district are participating in unified bowling, which kicked off recently, followed by unified basketball. These programs are designed to foster inclusive sports experiences, pairing students with and without disabilities to train and compete together. The goal is to ensure that every student has a meaningful role, contributing their unique strengths to the team's success.

In a notable development, New Hyde Park Memorial High School will have a team from its life skills program participating in the Special Olympics of New York's motor activity training program, focusing on track and field. Additionally, the Special Olympics will provide training for district staff to become certified coaches, enhancing the support for students involved in these programs.

A highlight of the evening was the recognition of New Hyde Park Memorial High School as a national unified champion school by the Special Olympics of New York. This prestigious designation is awarded to schools that meet ten standards of inclusion, including leadership in unified sports and whole school engagement. New Hyde Park is one of only 13 schools statewide to receive this honor, underscoring its commitment to creating an inclusive community. A special banner celebrating this achievement was unveiled during a recent boys' varsity basketball game.

The meeting also acknowledged the dedicated efforts of the Unified Coaching staff and the leadership of Christine Troopiano, the special education chairperson at New Hyde Park Memorial High School. Their commitment has expanded opportunities for students to engage with their peers and thrive within the school community.

As the district continues to promote inclusion through sports, these initiatives not only enhance the educational experience for students but also strengthen community ties, fostering a culture of acceptance and teamwork.