This year, Special Olympics North America honors Perry Meridian High School with National Banner recognition for its  inclusivity in activities for students with and without exceptional needs. 

The unified sports teams at PMHS have been developing over the past few years and have become a staple. 

“We are 1 of 14 schools in the state and 200 in the country that are being recognized,” special education teacher and Best Buddies sponsor Maggie Cooper says. “This recognition allows us to showcase all the awesome opportunities going on at Perry for individuals with and without intellectual developmental disabilities” 

PMHS has been making more strides towards inclusivity throughout the school.

“This award shows how our school as a whole is more inclusive. Our administration has done a wonderful job including our unified sports program in the athletic department. We are held to the same standards as any other sport,” Cooper says. 

The Unified Sports program at Perry has expanded even more this year with the addition of  Unified Flag Football. 

“Our Unified Sports program allows students with and without intellectual development disabilities to understand they are more alike than different,” Cooper says. “It gives opportunities for everyone to compete at their own ability and still represent the Falcons like any other varsity sport. It also helps foster friendships that might not always be made without Unified Sports.”