Elementary Vice Principal Joshua Case worked together with the Unified Basketball Coach Jen Johnson and Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) Advisor Janet Decker to hold an exhibition Unified Basketball game for the entire elementary school last week at a school assembly. Case felt this was a unique way to not just explain respect, but also demonstrate it.

Case has witnessed how Unified Sports allow students to gain a new respect for their fellow students. He was the Unified Basketball Coach at Dunkirk High School prior to being appointed as Silver Creek Elementary Vice Principal in May.

“I’ve seen firsthand how powerful the Unified program can be for students and school culture. It’s an incredible opportunity to bring our character education program to life — especially our focus on teaching respect and inclusion,” Case said. “By starting at the elementary level, we’re helping students learn to lead by example, value one another’s strengths, and build a foundation for a truly unified community. Our goal is to continue growing our program and ultimately become a Banner Unified Elementary School — a place where every student belongs.”

The assembly started with Decker discussing the definition of respect and the role it plays on a team. She explained that unified teams are made up of students with different abilities, working together.

Molly Shaw, a junior at Silver Creek, dribbles the ball upcourt during a Unified Basketball exhibition contest at Silver Creek Elementary School.

“Unified Sports are all about respect. These programs allow the students to learn that no matter how they play, all that matters is respecting each other, no matter the outcome of the game,” Decker stated.

Excitement filled the air as the Unified Team played a game of white jerseys versus black jerseys. For the past several years, the Unified Basketball Team has played a game during the school day for the middle and high school students at Silver Creek or Forestville, but this is the first time the team has played for the elementary students. During the game, the athletes demonstrated how to congratulate each other on the good plays and support each other when things did not go as expected.

After the game, Molly Shaw, a junior at Silver Creek, said that respect and inclusion go hand-in-hand.

“The entire gym was filled with cheers, which speaks to the sense of community we have here in Silver Creek. This team is such a fun and special group that I feel so lucky to be a part of. I’m so proud of everyone who participated to help spread this message of inclusion and respect, and I’m very excited for the season ahead,” Shaw said.

In addition to being a varsity athlete herself as a year-round distance runner, Shaw is the district’s Student Representative with the Board of Education. She has also served as Co-President of the Silver Creek Youth Advisory Committee. She looks forward to the Unified Basketball Team’s season beginning in March.

Silver Creek Elementary School packed the gym for an assembly to promote respect featuring an exhibition game with the Silver Creek-Forestville Unified Basketball Team.

Blake Waterman, a Forestville senior, thanked his coaches for fostering the positive team dynamic that was modeled for the elementary students.

“The game was amazing, as it made me remember just how much I enjoy our team, as well as the sport. I think that every kid deserves an opportunity to present themselves and the abilities that they possess. Respect is a huge part of not just unified, but sports in general,” Waterman said.

The elementary students enjoyed learning about respect through the unique and exciting experience. Respect was demonstrated both on and off the court and allowed the students and staff to see the Unified Team do what they do best – respect each other as athletes. In the end, everyone had fun and learned a valuable lesson.

“I am excited for the impact of this opportunity in introducing our younger students to the meaning and mission of Unified Sports,” Johnson said. “Inclusion starts early — when students learn to recognize respect and embrace one another’s differences, we build a stronger, more compassionate school community.”

Silver Creek currently has four Unified Sports programs – Bocce, Bowling, Esports, and Basketball. Forestville is combined with Silver Creek for Bowling and Basketball.