MIDDLEBORO — For Middleboro High School students, inclusion is more than just “a box to check,” according to Superintendent Carolyn Lyons.

“[Inclusion] is woven into the fabric of who we are,” she said. 

Lyons announced that Middleboro High School has been named a Unified Champion school by the Special Olympics during the school committee meeting on Thursday, Dec. 7. 

Unified sports is a program that “promotes meaningful social interaction by bringing together students with and without intellectual disabilities to create accepting school environments,” according to a Special Olympics press release.

"In order to qualify for a Special Olympics Unified Champion School, you must demonstrate an inclusive school climate and exude a sense of collaboration, engagement and respect for all members of the student body and staff,” said Lyons. 

According to Lyons, this is the second time that the district received this recognition. 

She added that the high school is one of 20 in Massachusetts to receive a banner from the Special Olympics honoring this recognition.

“It's probably one of the things I am most proud of at Middleboro,” said Athletic Director Ryan Sylvia. “If we can get all of our student athletes to understand inclusion and why this is something bigger than themselves… then I think we have done our job.”