Hendrickson High School to receive national recognition from Special Olympics

Hendrickson High School to receive national recognition from Special Olympics

Special Olympics and ESPN will recognize Hendrickson HS in Pflugerville ISD for their outstanding achievements in inclusion

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE : February 25, 2020

(Pflugerville, TX) -- Pflugerville ISD and Special Olympics Texas are proud to announce Hendrickson High School will receive Unified Champions National Banner recognition for its campus-wide efforts of inclusion for students with and without disabilities.

Hendrickson was named a Special Olympics Unified Champion School® this fall and now is being recognized by ESPN and Special Olympics as one of the top five schools in the nation for inclusion as National Banner campuses. On Monday, March 9, the Hawks will be presented with a banner to hang in the school gymnasium to honor this dedication to inclusion on campus.

“This is a great honor for the students of Hendrickson,” said Amy Wiesenhutter, PfISD Special Olympics Coordinator. “The atmosphere created on this campus is a testament to the students who stood up and said, ‘Yes!’ Hawk Nation chose to include all students in every aspect at their school. Hendrickson is a special place where students love each other and support one another in everything.”

On March 9, ESPN and Special Olympics Texas will present Hendrickson with its banner during a special ceremony in the gym. Prior to the ceremony, media members are welcome to attend a press conference with Hendrickson’s Unified Champions student leaders and representatives from PfISD, Special Olympics and ESPN.

A Special Olympics Unified Champion School® has an inclusive school climate and exudes a sense of collaboration, engagement and respect for all members of the student body and staff. A Unified Champion School receiving national banner recognition is one that has demonstrated commitment to inclusion by meeting 10 national standards of excellence, developed by a national panel of leaders from Special Olympics and the education community.

The Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® model has resulted in a noticeable increase in the confidence of students with disabilities and reduced bullying and teasing on campuses, according to teachers and administrators.

More than 200 schools are currently participating in Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® programming in Texas, with more than 6,500 across the country. Special Olympics has a global goal of creating 10,000 Unified Champion Schools by 2020.
 

About Pflugerville ISD

Pflugerville ISD, founded in 1902 and formally organized in 1936, is a fast-growth district located in northeast Travis County, with more than 26,000 students. The mission of Pflugerville ISD is to provide an inspiring, engaging and relevant education that empowers students to reach their full potential as productive members of a diverse global community. PfISD’s vision is passionately serving in the best interests of students. Three of its core beliefs that resonate with this award for HHS are: Diversity is our strength. All individuals have worth. Relationships are foundational to success. To learn more visit www.pfisd.net. Engage with PfISD on social media on Facebook: fb.com/pfisd; Twitter: @pfisd; and Instagram: @pflugervilleisd
 

 
For more information on Special Olympics Texas Unified Champion Schools, please contact Jessica Kilbane (737-867-9659)

For more information on Special Olympics Texas, please contact David Norris (512-516-4305)

For more information on Pflugerville ISD please contact Tamra Spence (512-594-0097) or David Wiechmann (512-594-0094)

About Special Olympics Texas
Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) is a privately funded non-profit organization that changes lives through the power of sport by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities, promoting acceptance for all, and fostering communities of understanding and respect.  SOTX provides continuing opportunities for more than 58,800 children and adults with intellectual disabilities throughout the Lone Star State to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship.  To learn more, visit www.specialolympicstexas.org or call 800.876.5646.  Engage with us on: Twitter @SOTexas; fb.com/SpecialOlympicsTX; youtube.com/specialolympicstexas.