Five years ago, Columbus East High School started down a path that has led to some incredible places.
They started a Unified track and field team, becoming a part of the IHSAA’s Champions Together Program. They’ve added a Unified basketball team. They raised funds for the Special Olympics, held school-wide events and promoted inclusion in the school.
The Olympians went the extra mile to help special needs students feel like they belong. That’s something special that deserves recognition.
Recognition came in the form of a national award, as East was nationally-recognized by Special Olympics and the Champions Together Program recently. The school is one of 14 Indiana schools to be named a Unified Champion School, a huge honor and a testament to the work that East faculty, staff and students have put in.
Columbus East was presented a banner before their Dec. 20 boys basketball game against crosstown rival Columbus North. That was a fitting night, as East and North now compete in Unified basketball games each year.
The important part isn’t the banner or the honor itself, though. The most important aspect of the recognition is the impact the school’s efforts have had on its special needs students.
“I think it’s a huge honor,” East athletics director Pete Huse said. “Anytime you can be nationally recognized, and something as amazing as Special Olympics says we want to honor you with a banner in your gym, I think that shows you what East is all about. We just care about everyone and want everyone to feel special.”
It’s easy to say that. It’s another thing to show it with actions. That’s exactly what Columbus East has done, though.
All schools should strive for inclusion. All students should feel welcome and comfortable in their school. East has done a tremendous job of making that happen, and it was rightfully noticed and recognized.
Columbus residents should be proud of their schools becoming part of the Champions Together Program. Columbus East High School has set a great example that we applaud and hope inspires other area schools to follow in their footsteps.
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