This banner, though, is different from all the rest.

For the first time in school history, Fredonia has been recognized by the Special Olympics as a National Banner School for its efforts to support inclusion through Unified Sports. The district celebrated the achievement on Friday during an assembly, as the Fredonia Unified Basketball Team played a game against Frewsburg.

“This banner represents so much more than just an award — it’s a symbol of the culture we’re building here. Through Unified Sports and inclusive programs, our students are learning lessons about leadership, compassion, and teamwork that will stay with them long after they leave our halls. We’re proud to celebrate this achievement and even more excited about what’s ahead,” said Athletic Director Nick Bertrando.

Momentum began to build in Fredonia’s quest for Unified Sports recognition at the district’s graduation ceremony at SUNY Fredonia when Student Body President Ava Rukavina spoke to the impact Unified Sports programs have had on her. From there, the movement gained steam as Naomi McKnatt, the mother of Fredonia Unified Athlete Luke McKnatt, advocated for Fredonia to receive recognition as a Unified Champion School because of the impact the program has had on her son.

Eventually, Fredonia became one of 13 schools to receive the honor this year. Dunkirk and Silver Creek have each earned Unified banner status in recent years.

“I think Unified is an excellent example of a win-win scenario in which so many members of our school community benefit,” said Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox. “Whether you are a student-athlete, coach, parent, family member, spectator, or faculty/staff, we all win by being part of or attending a Unified event. It brings everyone together for the greater good.”

Fredonia High School launched its Special Olympics Unified Sports program in 2019 with Unified Bowling. Following the pandemic, Fredonia expanded offerings to include Unified Basketball and Bocce. Students have embraced not only the spirit of competition, but also the mission of inclusion through a variety of fundraising events, including the Polar Plunge, Buffalo Bowl, and most recently, a fundraising initiative in partnership with local law enforcement at Applebee’s.

“Unified Sports has brought a massive feeling of inclusivity at Fredonia schools. The active participation of many students across the different sports offered reflects how deeply the school values inclusion,” said Bennett Shephard, a junior at Fredonia. “Additionally, the energy and enthusiasm seen at Unified rallies highlight just how meaningful these programs are to the Fredonia Central School District.”

To date, the school’s efforts have raised more than $35,000 in support of Special Olympics New York. In 2023, it also established the Unified Club for students to promote inclusion and unity throughout the school community.

“Unified Sports has been one of the most meaningful programs I’ve had the privilege to be part of. It plays a powerful role in helping our students become more compassionate, inclusive, and understanding — reminding us all that our differences are what make each of us unique and extraordinary,” said Kristin Tomaszewski, Youth Activation Coordinator for Unified Sports at Fredonia.

Fredonia’s student body has clearly felt the impact of Unified Sports, as athletes from all sports have bought into the program. One of the Varsity Boys Basketball standouts, Mike Hahn, was a Unified Basketball partner last year before he graduated. His mother, Sheila Hahn, a member of the Fredonia Board of Education, witnessed the impact being part of the program had on him.

Sheila Hahn said, “This banner is deeply personal to me. It reflects the meaningful friendships and lasting memories my son found through Unified, and serves as a powerful reminder that when we provide opportunities for all students to connect, we create space for shared humanity and shared joy.”

Carter McTernan, a 10th grade student at Fredonia, said the best part of the Unified program is the ability to play new sports with friends. Fellow 10th grader Kaleigh Morano said, “The kindness and positivity everyone shares makes a safe space for everyone.”

To earn national banner status, a school must meet 10‬‭ national‬‭ standards‬‭ of‬‭ excellence‬‭ in‬ the areas of inclusion, advocacy, and respect.‬ The‬‭ primary‬‭ activities‬‭ within‬‭ these‬‭ standards‬‭ include‬‭ inclusive‬‭ youth‬‭ leadership,‬‬‭ whole‬‭ school‬‭ engagement, and Special‬‭ Olympics‬‭ Unified‬‭ Sports programs, where‬ students‬‭ with‬‭ and‬‭ without‬‭ disabilities‬‭ train‬‭ and‬‭ compete‬‭ as‬‭ teammates.‬‭

National‬‭ banner‬‭ schools‬‭‬‭ also‬‭ must demonstrate‬‭ they‬‭ are‬ self-sustainable or have a plan in place to sustain these activities into the future.‬ Approximately 340‬‭ schools‬‭ are‬‭ currently‬‭ classified as Unified‬‭ Champion‬‭ Schools‬ in‬‭ New‬‭ York State, with over 8,000‬‭ schools‬‭ across‬‭ the‬‭ country‬‭ earning the honor.

“There are more than 8,000 Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools across the country – national banner status is reserved only for the best of the best,” said Special Olympics New York President and CEO Stacey Hengsterman. “We are incredibly proud to recognize Fredonia High School for its leadership in creating a school environment where inclusion, tolerance and acceptance of all students is the rule and not the exception. Congratulations and thank you to the entire school community.”