e, year after year.
“Students will often rise to the level of expectations that schools provide,” said RNESU Superintendent Rene Sanchez. “Ms. Kimball, Principal Ruppel, and their OV colleagues set expectations for students to access Unified Sports while also creating a welcoming, engaging whole-school experience.”
Otter Valley joins a small group of Vermont schools to receive National Unified Champion School recognition. Only two other Vermont schools – Brattleboro Union High School and Essex High School – received the honor this year. They join seven previously recognized Vermont schools, including Rutland High School and Champlain Valley Union High School.
“I am thrilled that Otter Valley has been recognized as a National Unified Champion School. Over the years, we have consistently sustained our original unified sports programs while also pursuing additional creative opportunities for our learners,” said Principal Michael Ruppel. Ruppel also credited the staff members who have helped make the program successful. “Brooke Kimball has been a champion and constant advocate for the Unified Sports program and has created so many opportunities for our athletes to succeed. Activities Director Steven Keith has ensured that our Unified Sports program has the resources it needs to succeed, and made sure that our Unified program is treated the same way as any other athletics program at our school.”
Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools is a national program designed to promote meaningful social inclusion by bringing together students with and without intellectual disabilities through inclusive sports, youth leadership, and whole-school engagement. The program aims to create school environments where students with disabilities are welcomed, included, and feel a genuine sense of belonging.
Congratulations, Otter Valley! We are proud to be a National Unified Champion School!