Ocoee Middle School becomes a Unified Champion School

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) A Cleveland middle school is making strides in inclusion and unity as they are awarded a prestigious honor marking them as the first school in all of Bradley County to do so.

Ocoee Middle School has officially been recognized as a Unified Champion School. This designation, given by Special Olympics, is awarded to schools that actively promote a culture of inclusion and respect, especially for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Through hard work, collaboration, and a shared vision, the school has earned this prestigious title. Unified Champion Schools focus on three main pillars: Unified Sports, inclusive youth leadership, and whole-school engagement.

Ocoee Middle School has gone above and beyond by incorporating these values into daily activities. Whether it’s hosting inclusive events, organizing peer-led mentorship programs, or participating in Unified Sports, students and staff have worked together to foster a culture of respect and acceptance. 

Becoming a Unified Champion School is no small feat. To earn this title, the middle school implemented a range of initiatives, including inclusive sports programs, leadership opportunities, and whole-school engagement projects. 

With nearby high schools and even colleges like Chattanooga State Community College and UTC being recognized as Unified Champion Schools, kids around the area will be able to continue to prove that inclusion is not just a goal – but rather a way of life.