Howell High School has been named to the 2020 Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools (UCS) ESPN Honor Roll.
“What a great honor for Howell High School. Special Olympics Michigan is thrilled that they are on the ESPN Honor Roll and proud of how they have fully embraced what it means to be a Unified Champion School at the highest level,” said Dan Ekonen of Special Olympics Michigan.
The ESPN Honor Roll celebrates the top UCS National Banner Schools from around the country. Howell High School joins 35 other schools in receiving this honor and is the only school in Michigan to be named to this year’s honor roll.
According to Special Olympics, of the three schools in Michigan to ever earn this honor, two are in Livingston County: Howell High School this year, and Brighton High School in 2018.
“In just a few short years they have created inclusion throughout their building for all students,” Ekonen said. “This is evident when you walk into Howell High School on game day and see parents, students, and staff wearing Unified Pride on their shirts, by offering multiple Unified Sports throughout the year, raising funds through Senior Survivor and how they empower their students to be leaders in the building.
“Inclusion doesn’t happen from one activity or event; it has to be adopted as part of the school fabric and embraced on the daily. We are happy to support Howell H.S. as they promote inclusion every day. Howell is very deserving of this honor and we are excited to celebrate with them!”
— Dan Ekonen, Special Olympics Michigan
“I am beyond proud of the work that Howell High School has put into building its Unified Champion Schools program. The school has embraced the 10 national standards of excellence developed by Special Olympics and embedded these into the daily culture of the building,” said Erin MacGregor, Howell Public Schools superintendent. “Being named to the ESPN Honor Roll just two years after launching its UCS program is a tremendous honor that truly highlights the school’s dedication to this program and to creating an inclusive environment.”
On Monday, Oct. 12, 2020, ESPN will announce its Top 5 UCS Schools, which will be selected from the 36 Honor Roll Schools.
