Amherst Named a National Banner Unified Champion School

In earning the 2024 National Banner Unified Champion School status from Special Olympics North America, Amherst Central High School met the 10 standards of excellence that looked at the unified sports offerings, inclusive youth leadership opportunities and whole-school engagement.

On a unified sports team, students with and without disabilities play on the same team. The concept was inspired by a simple principle: training together and playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding. Unified programming creates an inclusive school and athletic community where all students are accepted and celebrated.

Amherst offers a Unified Bowling team during the winter season and a Unified Basketball team during the spring season.

“Our Unified Basketball and Bowling teams have been working toward increased inclusion since the year 2019,” said Jennifer Higgins, coach of the unified bowling and basketball teams. “The Special Olympics Unified Champion School program has helped to create a socially inclusive and accepting environment for all at Amherst High School and throughout our community. We are excited to receive this recognition which shows our commitment to allowing students to be accepted for who they are and celebrated for their own uniqueness.”

The Youth Activation Club (YAC) supports the unified teams, as well as organizes Special Olympics initiatives throughout the year that help promote full school inclusion. YAC members plan fun ways to bring students with and without intellectual disabilities together to make Amherst accepting and inclusive for everyone. Last May, the school hosted a Fans in the Stands for a daytime unified basketball game against Maryvale High School. Each January, the school has a Polar Plunge team that supports Special Olympics.

“It has been an amazing opportunity co-advising the Amherst High School YAC Unified club,” said advisors Mary Baczkiewicz and Jeanne Peresan. “Every year we are so excited to see our club increase in its membership and activity level. Our club members truly represent the meaning and practice of whole school inclusivity. It has been wonderful to watch friendships blossom through Unified programming! We are thrilled and so proud to see our Amherst community receive this distinction!”

Amherst is one of 13 New York schools that have been named new National Banner Unified Champion Schools, along with nine more renewing their status for another four-year term. There are 36 Banner Schools in New York State.

"Being able to implement Unified Sports in our district has transformed our school community," said Robert Adams, Athletic Director. "Our athletes shine on Varsity teams, supported by partners who share an invaluable experience through Unified Sports. These programs highlight our commitment to inclusion and exemplify what Unified Sports should achieve in educational athletics."

"We extend our gratitude to our coaches, aides, partners, athletes, and the entire school community for helping us earn the title of National Banner Unified Champion School," said Adams. "Special thanks to Coach Higgins, who has led our Unified Teams from the start, and to YAC/Unified Club advisors Mary Baczkiewicz and Jeanne Peresan for their dedication and advocacy. Their efforts have positioned us for this honor. We also thank Special Olympics New York, our athletes, and their families for placing Amherst among prestigious institutions committed to Unified Sports and its benefits."