The Wheatley School in Old Westbury has been recognized as a National Banner Unified Champion School by Special Olympics North America, a distinction that represents the highest level of achievement for Unified Champion Schools nationwide, school officials announced.
The honor celebrates The Wheatley School’s commitment to an inclusive school community. Only a select group of schools across the country earn this recognition each year by meeting standards of excellence in areas such as Unified Sports, inclusive youth leadership, and schoolwide engagement, according to school leaders.
“We are honored that The Wheatley School has been recognized as a National Banner Unified Champion School,” Dr. Danielle Gately, Superintendent of Schools, said in a statement. “This recognition reflects the spirit of inclusion, leadership and teamwork that our students, staff, and community embrace every day.”
As a Unified Champion School, Wheatley offers opportunities for students with and without disabilities to participate together on sports teams, in physical education, and through leadership activities that promote understanding and respect throughout the school community.
With this recognition, Wheatley joins 45 schools in the state that have achieved banner status. The award not only honors past accomplishments but also requires schools to demonstrate long-term sustainability of their inclusive practices, ensuring that the legacy of inclusion will continue for years to come, school officials said.