Wylie High School has officially been recognized as a Unified Champion School by Special Olympics Texas—a distinction that celebrates the heart, leadership, and inclusive spirit of our incredible student body.
In a heartfelt ceremony, a representative from Special Olympics Texas visited the Wylie High cafeteria to present the Unified Bulldogs with a Unified Champion School Banner. This banner isn't just a symbol of achievement—it's a testament to the kindness, commitment, and unity that our students demonstrate every day through Unified Sports, Inclusive Youth Leadership, and Whole School Engagement.
What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that it’s part of the Special Olympics National Banner Recognition Program, which honors schools that have met 10 national standards of excellence in creating a truly inclusive school climate. These standards include not only participation in inclusive activities, but also efforts that ensure students with and without intellectual disabilities feel equally welcomed and valued. Schools that achieve this honor are considered trailblazers in redefining what it means to be a supportive and united campus.
One of the morning’s most touching moments came when our senior Unified athletes and their partners received their Special Olympics Unified Graduation Cords—a well-earned honor they’ll proudly wear as they walk the stage at graduation.
Even more exciting, Wylie High has applied to become a National Banner School, a prestigious title that would place us among an elite group of schools nationwide—and might even land us on ESPN, which celebrates schools demonstrating outstanding commitment to inclusion through the Unified Champion Schools program.
To our Unified Bulldogs—thank you for leading with heart, showing us the power of friendship, and proving that when we include everyone, we all win.
There are over 600 Unified Champion Schools in Texas and we are 1 of 9 that received a Texas Banner for going above and beyond for inclusivity.
It’s a great day to be a Wylie Bulldog.
Back row in picture: Jacob Branch, Isaac Gammon, Heath Shim, Logan Jones, Maci Debardleben, Amelie Liew
Front row: Zha'Riya Smith, Brin Heuerman, Hunter Carper, Addison Bayouth, Payton Lunsford
