Above: Next week, Special Olympics will recognize ARHS for its inclusion leadership programs, like Unified Basketball. (photo cropped from pic of fall 2021 game by Owen Jones Photography)
Algonquin is proudly promoting an honor it will be awarded on Tuesday evening. The school will host a ceremony during varsity Basketball’s halftime to receive the Special Olympics’ National Banner Award. They are inviting the public to join them for “A Night to Include.
Below is the school’s announcement:
Algonquin Regional High School to receive national recognition from Special Olympics for achievements with inclusion.
Northborough, MA – On January 17th at 7:00 PM, the Algonquin boys varsity basketball team will take on Shrewsbury, but in addition to the excitement that the game is sure to provide, something extraordinary will be happening at halftime.
Algonquin has been recognized as 1 of only 12 schools in the state and 164 in the country to receive the National Banner Award, an accolade given by Special Olympics for excellence correlating with the inclusive promotion of leadership and equity within the greater school community. Schools are required to meet a variety of standards in order to be crowned Unified Champion Schools, and ARHS can now bear that honor proudly.
Algonquin provides extensive, fluid opportunities for neurodivergent and neurotypical students alike in partnership with Special Olympics and additional inclusion organizations, consisting of, though not limited to Unified Track, Basketball, Inclusive DECA, Singing Club, Colorguard, Unified Art Project, Best Buddies and a variety of additional school commitments which foster inclusivity corresponding with focuses in robotics, cheer, and theater.
Algonquin would like to welcome members of the community to join us for “A Night to Include” on January 17th at 7:00 PM, to cheer on our varsity team, enjoy some time with family and friends, and bear witness to something remarkable as we gather to support the inclusive spirit of our community and cheer on our Unified students as they receive this prestigious award.
The announcement points to more details in an article by The Harbinger, the school’s award winning paper.
