Prairie Queen Elementary has been recognized as a Unified Champion School by Special Olympics Nebraska, highlighting its commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all students. Earlier this week, Superintendent Dr. Andy Rikli and Principal Pam Lowndes surprised the Prairie Queen staff with this special announcement. 

"We are incredibly proud of the commitment that Nebraska schools have demonstrated in fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students," said Carolyn Chamberlin, President and CEO of Special Olympics Nebraska. "Their dedication to providing opportunities for students with and without intellectual disabilities to connect, learn, and compete together sets a powerful example of unity and respect. This recognition reflects their leadership in promoting inclusion and ensuring that every student has the chance to feel included and celebrated both in and out of the classroom.”

The Unified Champion Schools program, a national initiative of Special Olympics, aims to promote social inclusion through intentionally planned and implemented activities affecting systems-wide change. The program is built on three core components: Unified Sports, Inclusive Youth Leadership, and Whole School Engagement.

Prairie Queen Elementary demonstrated its success in implementing all three components. The school organizes an annual Unified Kickball Tournament, exemplifying the Unified Sports aspect by bringing together students with and without intellectual disabilities on the same teams.

Addressing the Inclusive Youth Leadership component, Prairie Queen has established a Unified Club and conducts leadership lunches, providing opportunities for students of all abilities to take on meaningful roles within the school community.

Whole School Engagement is evident in Prairie Queen's various activities, including World Down Syndrome Day celebrations and the Young Readers program, which promote understanding and acceptance throughout the entire student body.

This recognition not only celebrates Prairie Queen's accomplishments but also underscores the Papillion-La Vista Community Schools' broader commitment to creating inclusive educational environments. As Prairie Queen celebrates this achievement, it continues to explore ways to expand its inclusive practices, setting an example for other schools in the district and beyond.

The Unified Champion Schools program, supported by the U.S. Office of Special Education Programs, is part of Special Olympics' global strategy to create school communities where all young people are agents of change.