Green Level High School has been accepted into the ESPN Honor Roll and has been granted National Banner Recognition in the class of 2024 for the first time in the school’s history. These honors are given to the country’s top Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools for demonstrating commitment to inclusivity. 

The ESPN Honor Roll is part of the Special Olympics Unified Champions Schools National Recognition Program, which celebrates schools that demonstrate excellence in inclusion, advocacy, and respect. Green Level is one of only four schools in North Carolina to be granted this honor this year, highlighting its dedication to the program.  

Assistant Principal Darren Williams expressed his excitement about this prestigious award, saying, “We’re thrilled to have received National Banner and ESPN Honor Roll recognition for our Unified efforts at Green Level High School.” 

But this doesn’t just come about, it takes a lot of effort from the entire school’s program leaders and students to create the environment and become recognized for such. “Over the last few years, in particular, our students and staff have taken ownership of our commitment to inclusion and are consistently coming up with new ways to engage and advocate.” Williams also mentions. 

Green Levels’ inclusivity programs also include the Unified Club, A program/club designed to bring students of all abilities together and promote friendship and togetherness. PEPI, or the Physical Education Pupil Instructors course at Green Level, demonstrates its excellence. The course consists of general education students participating in physical education activities with students with intellectual disabilities. 

The Special Olympic Unified Champion Schools program aims to continue increasing inclusivity, unity, youth leadership, and friendship. Green Level’s ESPN Honor Roll recognition serves as a reminder of the positive impact and continued hard work and dedication to inclusive education that Green Level has provided.