Algonquin Regional High School (ARHS) will receive the prestigious National Banner award from Special Olympics International during an awards ceremony on Tuesday, January 17 at 7 p.m. at the scheduled Boys’ Varsity Basketball game vs. Shrewsbury High School. All are invited to attend. Come witness and support ARHS in this unique community award ceremony.
Before and during the Boys’ Varsity Basketball game there will be numerous showcases of Unified Sports and clubs that make Algonquin #wickedinclusive
Arrive early to make sure you see:
- Unified Art Project – lobby showcase (before and during the game)
- Unified Singing Club – sing and sign (ASL) the National Anthem at approximately 7 p.m.
- Best Buddies will be hosting a family-friendly activity station of corn hole, as well as a photobooth.
- Unified Track and Basketball and Best Buddies members will be invited to walk in the banner at half-time.
- There will be several speakers from Special Olympics and ARHS staff and student leaders, and there will be a crowd activity to promote inclusion.
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.
