LOUISVILLE, Ky. — During a pep rally that rivals the Super Bowl, students, teachers and families celebrated a momentous achievement.

What You Need To Know

  • Eastern High School is named a Special Olympics banner school

  • The school was honored for ensuring sure students of all abilities are involved in activities and sports

  • They were National Unified Champions School by the Special Olympics

  • Middletown mayor, Byron Chapman, declared Friday, Feb. 2 Unified Champion School Day

Eastern High School has been named a National Unified Champions School by Special Olympics. It means Eastern has gone above and beyond getting students of all abilities involved in activities and sports.

“The kids love this group of students. They are involved. Everyone loves them,” Spanish teacher and dance instructor Beck Sexton told Spectrum News 1. “We are in the gymnasium at Eastern today to celebrate Eastern being recognized as a unified banner school for Special Olympics,” Sexton added.

Sexton is a dance instructor for students living with multiple and severe disabilities unit.

“So Jack is part of the dance class during the school day,” Sexton said, introducing Jack, a fifth-year senior at Eastern. Eastern offers a wide variety of unified sports including bowling, track, basketball and cheer.

The assembly, which was more like a pep rally, was a high-energy celebration of the school’s achievement. There was even a friendly relay race among students.

“Eastern continues to lead the charge toward more inclusive schools in this district and beyond,” one speaker said. The Eagles have also been named to the ESPN Honor Roll, recognizing schools across the country promoting inclusion at the highest level.

Middletown Mayor Byron Chapman declared Friday, Feb. 2 Unified Champion School Day.

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