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Springfield Township High School honored as National Unified Champion School; UNIFY program praised at board meeting
Summary
Students and staff at Springfield Township High School were presented with a National Unified Champion School banner by Special Olympics of Pennsylvania; district leaders highlighted fundraising, sustained participation in Unified classes and postseason competitions, and student reflections on inclusion.
Springfield Township High School was formally recognized as a National Unified Champion School during the Nov. 19 meeting of the Springfield Township School District Board of School Directors.
Ally Proto, the high school's special education department coordinator and UNIFY club adviser, described the program's growth since 2018 and said the district has raised more than $20,000 through inclusion-focused fundraising efforts. "Our programs have flourished because there's a community of acceptance," Proto said, noting the district raised a record "11,450 plus" in February of this year through events such as the polar plunge.
Matt Aaron of Special Olympics of Pennsylvania presented the banner and framed the recognition nationally and statewide: "Around the country this year, there were 142 schools ... Springfield Township is one of those schools," Aaron said, adding Springfield is one of 12 Pennsylvania schools to be recertified as a national banner school.
Students featured in the presentation described how UNIFY activities affect school life. "I enjoy getting to see the different perspectives of life in sports," said a student recorded in the presentation. Another student said inclusion means "everyone has a place." The district said Unified Physical Education has run full rosters each semester since its expansion and UNIFY teams have competed in postseason events, including Penn Relays appearances in 2022'24.
Superintendent Dr. Mary Jo Yannickone thanked staff and the community for supporting the program and highlighted the role of volunteer leaders and coaches in sustaining inclusion efforts.
The recognition follows districtwide efforts tied to student leadership, inclusive course expansion and community fundraising. Special Olympics of Pennsylvania emphasized that the banner recognizes the entire school community'students, staff and families'rather than a single team or athlete.
The board took no additional action tied to the award; it was presented as part of the superintendent's report and public recognition during the meeting.
