Contributed RECOGNITION — Indian Creek High School held an assembly on Oct. 16 to celebrate accolades for its unified sports program, in which general students team up with those who have individualized education plans (IEP’s) for inclusive games. ICHS has been named as a National Banner School and has been placed on ESPN’s Honor Roll, the latter being a distinction only given to one school in each participating U.S. state.

WINTERSVILLE — Indian Creek High School’s unified sports program is gaining accolades and was formally recognized during an assembly on Oct. 16.

Students gathered in the auditorium where Jefferson County Unified Sports Director Tom Mort, ICHS Unified Sports Director Amber Scott and program athletes joined administrators, parents and area leaders to honor the program. ICHS earned distinction as a National Banner School with Special Olympics North America and is also being included on the ESPN Honor Roll, which is given to only one school in each participating U.S. state.

Mort began coordinating efforts four years ago and helped establish a blended team of students with individualized education plans (IEP’s) and general education pupils to play sporting events with similar teams from Buckeye Local, Edison and Steubenville. So far, Indian Creek has hosted the annual Spooky Bowl and Turkey Bowl flag football games around Halloween and Thanksgiving, respectively, plus they have participated in basketball matchups and track meets on- and off-campus. Upcoming plans are to play Edison during the Spooky Bowl on Oct. 31 at 10 a.m. at Kettlewell Stadium and the second annual Turkey Bowl that is being set for November.

“The reason why we’re here is because of our athletes, our cheerleaders and our coaches,” Mort said as he introduced the group.

They included David Howe, Alex Fabian, Misha Amis, Paxson Gorby, Colton Dawson, Tatum Deem, Colton Scovronski, Jamie Donaldson, Franco Barcalow, Parker Heath, Dylan Romanyak, Quinn Ujcich, Sawyer Pietro, Landon Cullen, Zach Biggio, Jabari White, Michael Campana, Bo Paulman, Ethan Starr, captain Kaleb Manion, Brayden Stewart, Haylee Shaffer, Shayne Scott, Carsyn Brown, Aziah Ade, Hailey Francis, Emma Westfall, Janiyah Dodd, Tylee Spencer, Abbey Pendleton, Blissani Locke, Ava Francis, My’auna Brandon and Ava Bell. He also lauded Scott and Deputy Matt Morgan, school SRO and a coach.

Principal Louie Retton said he was very proud of the program.

“Unified sports brings students together — with or without disabilities — on the same team,” Retton said. “It’s more than just a game; It’s about building inclusion, respect, and friendships. It helps breaks down stereotypes and encourages teamwork and creates a place where everyone feels like they belong.”

He added that students learn patience and empathy and participants get a chance to shine, compete and be seen, while the program also creates a school culture of acceptance and kindness.

“This is another example of why ICHS is at the forefront of leading projects and programs at this country.”

District Superintendent Dr. T.C. Chappelear said it was a privilege and joy to serve at Indian Creek because of the people who give so much time and support for kids to be successful. He noted that he immediately thought of Mort to lead the program when the idea was introduced at a superintendents’ meeting, while Scott, Deputy Morgan, and Retton have aided its success.

“I love the fact that we have students whose lives and high school experiences are changed because they participate in extracurricular activities, including unified sports,” Dr. Chappelear said. “Why we’re here today is because of these adults who organized activities and students who have participated.”

He introduced Ohio Sen. Brian Chavez (R-30th District), who congratulated the school and presented a resolution celebrating the achievement.

“It’s a real honor to be here at Indian Creek High School, a school that’s doing something truly special,” he said. “Today we celebrate Indian Creek being named a Special Olympics 2025 National Unified Champion Banner School.”

Sen. Chavez said it was a huge accomplishment and a testament to the school’s commitment to inclusion, leadership and teamwork, adding that ICHS was the first in Jefferson County to undertake the program and earning a spot on the ESPN Honor Roll was no small feat and made them a role model for the state.

“You have made your school, your county and your state incredibly proud,” he said. “Keep showing Ohio and the world what it means to lead with the heart.”

Jefferson County Sheriff Fred Abdalla Jr. said the JCSO always has and always will support the program, and he praised officials for their efforts.

“They care so much for this school district and you kids,” the sheriff said of the organizers and officials. “What you guys have done here has inspired me. The impact this program will have on all of you…will go on for years and years.”

Mort introduced Scott, who he said was vital to the program. Scott quipped that she was grateful to work with the students and unified sports and recognized parapro Kristin Walenciej for her assistance. She played a video created by the interactive media class which featured athletes interviewing officials about the program.

Unified Champion Schools Northeast Manager James Yancy presented the banner and ESPN Honor Roll Award, saying the school won two impressive distinctions and the ESPN honor will be released soon. He then read a letter from Special Olympics Ohio Director Kristi Peters touting the achievements.

“This distinction… is a true reflection of your commitment to fostering inclusion, respect, and unity in your school and community,” the letter stated. “Your dedication to creating a culture of inclusion has paved the way for meaningful change in your community. Indian Creek’s success is a direct testament to your spirit, vision, and leadership. You are truly invaluable to the mission and culture of Unified Champion Schools, and your accomplishments deserve the highest praise.”

Mort gave the final remarks, thanking everyone and saying it was humbling to receive the awards.

“This moment’s not just about a banner. It’s about celebrating a legacy we built together and the impact it continues to make. When we began the unified sports journey, our goal was…to create opportunities for every student to belong, lead, and to compete and to form friendships that reach beyond the scoreboard,” Mort concluded. “What we’ve seen along the way is inspiring. We’ve seen athletes grow in confidence, partners discover new strength and a school community transformed by the power of inclusion. Our legacy will not be measured by wins and losses, but by the friendships built, the barriers broken and the spirit of unity that defines who we are. A legacy is not something you keep, it’s something you grow. Indian Creek will continue to lead, continue to include, and continue to show the world that when everyone plays, everyone wins.”