CELTICS, UNIFIED: McNary celebrates national recognition for inclusivity

Cheers echoed in McNary High School’s gymnasium last week, as students in the packed stands closely watched a “unified” basketball game.

To a soundtrack provided by the school band, disabled students played alongside other students and competed against an opposing team. Those in the stands raised their voices to celebrate when the ball successfully went through the hoop and expressed disappointment at missed shots.

The assembly, held on Tuesday, March 3, allowed the school to celebrate its recent recognition as a National Banner Unified Champion School. To earn the honor, the school had to meet standards created by the Special Olympics to foster inclusion of students with disabilities in school sports, leadership and other school engagement.

Weddle Elementary School also earned the recognition for 2025.

Amanda Burke, who supports unified programs throughout the district, said during the assembly that the honor is challenging to receive.

“It is a representation of all of you and your commitment to inclusion and just making your school a welcoming place for everybody,” Burke told students.

Burke said unified programs are usually after-school sports programs. However, McNary and other schools in the district are unique in expanding the program to classes.

McNary offers unified business, theater, culinary and art classes, according to Burke. A unified class allows students with disabilities to learn alongside students without disabilities.

“You guys decided to turn it into the culture of your school by doing unified classes,” Burke told students.

The purpose of a unified program is to foster a “sense of belonging” among all students, Burke said

Two basketball games were held during McNary’s assembly, with each participant’s name announced to the sound of applause from those in the stands. Students held signs supporting their peers playing in the game, and cheered with blue or white pom poms.

The words of the McNary fight song and class cheers were altered to highlight the unified title, with students shouting call and response, “What kind of Celtics? Unified Celtics.”

A student smiles after successfully launching a basketball into the hoop during a unified basketball game at McNary High School on Tuesday, March 3. The game, which allowed students with disabilities to play alongside other students, was one of two held during an assembly celebrating the school’s national recognition for its inclusion. (KRISTA KROISS/Keizertimes)

A student prepares to launch a basketball towards the hoop during a unified basketball game at McNary High School on Tuesday, March 3. The game, which allowed students with disabilities to play alongside other students, was one of two held during an assembly celebrating the school’s national recognition for its inclusion. (KRISTA KROISS/Keizertimes)

Students cheer during an assembly at McNary High School on Tuesday, March 3. The assembly celebrated the school’s national recognition for inclusivity efforts. (KRISTA KRIOSS/Keizertimes)

Amanda Burke, who supports programs across the school district that promote the inclusion of students with disabilities, speaks during an assembly at McNary High School on Tuesday, March 3. The school was recently awarded a national recognition for inclusion efforts. (KRISTA KROISS/Keizertimes)

NEWS TIP? Contact reporter Krista Kroiss at [email protected].

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