Three county schools have landed in the national spotlight with honors from Special Olympics North America for the ways in which they cultivate climates of kindness and acceptance by providing inclusive sports and programs for students with and without intellectual disabilities.

Northeast Middle School and Annapolis and North County high schools have been named Special Olympics Unified Champion National Banner schools, adding to Anne Arundel County Public Schools’ (AACPS) stellar legacy dating back to 2010 with Special Olympics Maryland. Of the 20 schools in Maryland with the distinction, 13 are in AACPS.

The honor is the second for Annapolis and North County as those schools were recertified after earning their first banner in 2022. Northeast Middle School, a first-time honoree, is just the second middle school in Maryland to earn the award, joining 2025 honoree Old Mill Middle School South.

“We are over the moon that Northeast Middle School is being recognized, and even prouder of the students who make inclusion happen every day,” Northeast Middle School Principal Beth Shakan said. “This honor reflects work that comes straight from the heart and our students remind us that creating a place where everyone belongs isn’t extraordinary, it’s simply the right way to treat people.”

The honor is earned by schools that meet 10 national standards of excellence in the areas of inclusion, advocacy, and respect developed by a national panel of leaders from Special Olympics and the education community. These standards of excellence support the Unified Champion Schools strategy, which focuses on inclusive sports and activities, inclusive youth leadership, and whole school engagement to reach every student.

With a motto of “Choose to Include,” the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools program is aimed at promoting social inclusion through intentionally planned and implemented activities affecting systems-wide change and the creation of school climates where students with disabilities feel welcome and are routinely included in, and feel a part of, all activities, opportunities, and functions.

At Northeast Middle School, inclusion isn't just something students talk about. It’s something they create every day. Through the Unified program, students with and without disabilities are breaking down barriers, building friendships, and leading initiatives that make a lasting impact on their school community.

Student leaders have helped organize schoolwide Spirit Weeks, coordinated toy drives benefiting others, operated a student-run school store, and hosted recognition rallies that celebrate achievement, kindness, and unity. Whether on the playing field, in the classroom, or at school events, Northeast Middle School students are proving that when everyone belongs, everyone thrives.

Annapolis High School has built a culture where students with and without disabilities learn, lead, and participate alongside one another every day. Through Best Buddies, Unified Sports, Unified Art, and Unified Music, students build genuine friendships and connections that extend beyond the classroom. Students collaborate across programs and courses, creating opportunities to learn from one another and develop a stronger sense of community. One memorable example came during last year's talent show, when students accessing the alternative classroom curriculum performed an original song they had written with their teacher and earned the event’s only standing ovation. That moment reflected what makes the school special: Students don’t just accept one another’s differences, they celebrate them.

At North County High School, students embrace the Unified philosophy in both academics and sports, and the staff’s dedication to building a culture of inclusion has helped the program grow year after year. North County High School Unified Sports Head Coach Mike Chisolm has cultivated a sense of kindness, enthusiasm, and determination in sports that has grown into friendships, confidence, and a positive school environment for students and adults.

“To watch the work our schools do every day to help students feel that true sense of belonging is inspiring,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Bedell said. “The impact of that work and our amazing partnership with Special Olympics Maryland is something that is truly helping to change the future and will endure for decades to come.”

Said Jim Schmutz, President and CEO of Special Olympics Maryland: ““We send our congratulations to Northeast Middle School, Annapolis High School and North County High School for earning Unified Champion Schools National Banner recognition!  Anne Arundel County Public Schools continues to be a leader across the state in its commitment to ensuring students of all abilities are welcomed, accepted, and respected in their school communities.  From our youngest students participating in the Young Athletes Program to those participating Unified Physical Education and Unified Sports in their middle and high schools, and the approximately 5,000 students plunging into the Chesapeake Bay in our Cool Schools Plunge, we are proud of our partnership with Anne Arundel County Public Schools as we collaboratively offer programs that build more inclusive schools and communities.”

At the high school level, AACPS offers three Unified Sports throughout the year – tennis (fall), bowling (winter), and bocce (spring) – in which student-athletes with and without disabilities train and compete as equal teammates in athletic competition. The program allows all student-athletes to learn about and exhibit good sportsmanship, build positive self-esteem, learn sport-specific skills, improve physical fitness, foster new friendships, and develop and enhance the concept of teamwork. Special Olympics Maryland strives to extend these values beyond the team roster, reaching all students through inclusive youth leadership and whole school engagement.

The middle school athletics program also includes Unified Bocce in the winter season to allow students at that level to participate in more inclusive experiences.

AACPS also has Unified Physical Education and Leadership and Unified Dance and Leadership curricula at the middle and high school levels and Unified Visual Arts and Leadership and Unified Music and Leadership at the high school level. All replicate the values of the Unified Sports program and students with and without intellectual disabilities in those classes team up to reach common goals.

“We are proud to offer every Unified course and sport available in our district because we believe all students deserve the chance to learn and compete together.” North County High School Principal Sara Thomas said. “I could not be prouder of our students, teachers, and coaches for the countless ways they show that they genuinely value relationships and belonging. This banner reflects the heart of our school community.” 

As a result of the commitment to inclusivity and acceptance, schools are able to reduce bullying and exclusion, promote inclusive friendships, overturn negative attitudes, decrease hurtful language in schools and the community, develop students’ leadership skills, and create communities of caring and respect.

“What makes this recognition so meaningful is that it reflects who our students already are,” Annapolis High School Principal Audra Whayland said. “At A-High, students look out for each other, cheer each other on, and build real friendships across differences. Inclusion isn't something we have to force. It's part of our culture.”

To learn more about AACPS’ Unified Sports programs, go to www.aacps.org/athletics and scroll to Unified/Corollary Sports. To learn more about Special Olympics Maryland, go to www.somd.org.