Old Rochester Regional High School Receives National Banner Recognition from Special Olympics

Special Olympics Massachusetts announced that Old Rochester Regional High School is receiving National Banner recognition for its work to provide inclusive sports and activities for students with and without intellectual disabilities. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)

MATTAPOISETT — Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Principal Michael Devoll are proud to announce that Special Olympics North America is awarding Old Rochester Regional High School with National Banner recognition for its work to provide inclusive sports and activities for students with and without intellectual disabilities.

Old Rochester Regional High School was one of only 17 schools in Massachusetts and 217 nationwide to achieve this status for the 2024-25 school year. The high school was recognized by Special Olympics’ national certifying body, based on the school’s Special Olympics Unified Champion School programming, which it officially established during the 2020-21 school year.

Old Rochester Regional High School earned the National Banner recognition by meeting Special Olympics’ 10 national standards of excellence for inclusion, advocacy and respect, for its work in the areas of sports, leadership and whole school engagement opportunities, resulting in a school environment that promotes inclusion and respect for all. To receive the recognition, National Banner schools also need to demonstrate their Unified Champion Schools programs are self-sustainable.

“Congratulations to Old Rochester Regional High School for receiving National Banner recognition from Special Olympics North America,” said Patti Doherty, Vice President of Schools and Community Development for Special Olympics Massachusetts, in an announcement to the school district. “The athletes, partners, students, coaches, volunteers, teachers, staff and administration at Old Rochester Regional High School have all played key roles in creating a social climate where everyone feels included and respected for who they are.”

ORRHS has offered unified basketball and unified track for boys and girls in all high school grade levels, as well as those in the district’s 18-22 program, along with other athletic activities. The unified teams consist of students with and without intellectual disabilities, who come together in partnership and support one another.

“We are honored to have such a strong and fully inclusive school as yours recognized for the hard work and dedication you demonstrate daily to continuously grow and strengthen your program,” Doherty said. “Your school and leadership team are a model for other schools, and we look forward to new heights you will reach tomorrow and in years to come.”

The Unified Champion Schools program provides a model for schools from Pre-K through the university level. More than 369 schools participated in Unified Champion programming in Massachusetts as of fall 2024.

The Unified Champion Schools model is also supported by the Office of Special Education Programs at the U.S. Department of Education. The model has been proven through research to be an effective way to provide students with and without disabilities the opportunity to form positive social relationships and to promote a socially inclusive school climate.

Emma Fenton, a special education teacher, who is head coach of the Unified Basketball, Unified Track and Unified Strength and Conditioning teams at Old Rochester Regional High School, thanked all the students, staff, teachers and community members who helped achieve the National Banner recognition. Fenton also credited Athletic Director Chris Carrig, the school’s Special Olympics liaison, for all that he does to support the program. 

“Achieving National Banner School recognition from Special Olympics has been a goal of ours, and we are thrilled to see it become a reality,” said Fenton, who is also co-advisor of the Unified Bulldogs Club, a student club that supports the school’s Unified Sports programs. “This honor reflects the dedication of our Unified athletes, families, staff, administration, and the entire student body. From Unified Bulldogs Club to our Unified Plant Sale, Unified Peer Partners course, Unified PE, and Unified Sports, there is truly something for everyone at ORR. We are grateful to be able to offer these opportunities, and proud that Special Olympics and Unified programming have made ORR a stronger, more inclusive community. It’s been amazing to watch students connect, support each other, and build real friendships through these programs. The joy and sense of belonging it brings to our school is something really special.”

Superintendent Nelson and Principal Devoll each thanked Special Olympics and congratulated all of the volunteers and participants in Unified Sports at Old Rochester Regional High School.

“Earning this National Banner recognition is one of the most important achievements ever for Old Rochester Regional High School,” said Principal Devoll. “Meeting the criteria for this award shows that our Unified Champion Schools program is helping to equip our young people with the knowledge and skills needed to help create inclusive opportunities in the areas of sports, education and community. Doing so engages our young people to improve the world around them, reducing bullying and promoting healthy interactions, while counteracting stereotypes, stigmas and hurtful language.”

“This is an immense honor for Old Rochester Regional High School to receive this distinction from Special Olympics,” said Superintendent Nelson. “Inclusivity is a core value for Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55. We are proud that our high school is achieving and surpassing high standards for the inclusion of students with and without intellectual disabilities, bringing us together through sports and other community activities. Congratulations to all of our teachers, staff and students who helped achieve this together.”

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Old Rochester Regional High School’s Special Olympics Unified Champion School program was officially established during the 2020-21 school year, including the school’s Unified Basketball team. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)