The William Monroe Trotter K-6 School in Roxbury is one of just 217 schools in the nation classified as a “Unified Champion School” by the Special Olympics, a distinction that was celebrated on Thurs., Dec. 18, at the campus on Humboldt Avenue with a banner-raising ceremony.
The Trotter is one of 17 schools in Massachusetts with the designation, which recognizes its commitment to inclusion in sports and other activities.
“When we began this partnership, I never imagined this,” said Sarita Thomas, the Trotter’s principal, who returned from medical leave for the event. “My vision was for an inclusive school that always centered on one simple belief: Every child deserves to belong, to be seen, and to have meaningful opportunities to grow alongside their peers.”
Through “unified” sports teams, the school has for the last three-and-a half-years brought together Trotter students of all abilities to compete in soccer and basketball.
“Over the years, watching our athletes and partners develop real relationships built on perseverance, accountability, and mutual encouragement has been the most meaningful part of my work,” Thomas said.
“When students lift each other up, when you all challenge each other, and when you together strive with a shared goal, you see the very best of what a school can be.”
Shykeyla Bynum of Dorchester knows how committed the school is to her daughter, Brielle, who has autism. Now a seventh grader at the Mildred Ave. Middle School School in Mattapan, Brielle was enrolled in the inclusion program at the Trotter for several years.
“She knows most of the whole school,” said Bynum, whose daughter Arielle attends the school and is also a part of the team.
“Everyone loves Brielle, and they welcomed her back today. They have always included her. She has learned to read, tie her shoes, and communicate” and left the Trotter “more prepared” for life, said Bynum.
Another alumnus who returned for the day was Brielle’s friend Luis Ramirez, now a seventh grader at the Josiah Quincy Middle School. When it comes to why inclusion matters, he put it simply: “We can all play together and have fun.”
Throughout the morning at the Trotter, students did just that. At one point, six students from Kenneth Bibby’s class took to the stage and sang “A Million Dreams,” from “The Greatest Showman.” During the performance, they sang, “We can live in a world that we design” passionately.
By the end of the song, members of the school body jumped to their feet for a standing ovation.
“What we just witnessed is inclusion at its finest,” said Patti Doherty, Special Olympics VP of Schools and Community Development. “I had tears running down my face. That was truly just an incredible representation of Trotter.”
Added Thomas: “Earning banner status is a significant achievement. It means that a school has fully embraced the dream pillars of a unified culture: Inclusive sports, where students with and without disabilities compete together. Inclusive youth leadership, where students help shape the school’s vision for belonging, and whole school engagement where the entire community participates in activities that celebrate acceptance and respect.”
Trotter School’s Unified Sports Students
Sixth Grade
Maximus Gonzalez, Charles(CJ) Scott, Fabian Vazquez Diaz, Samuel Yirga, Arielle Cousin, Jossy Ntoya, Dylan Tejada Sanchez, Khalil Belle, Jonathan Brown, Amy Guerrero Made, Taj Murray.
Fifth Grade
Naysha Chaney, Laily Silva Nunez, Adanna Chavez, Tre Miller, Vertuese Ntoya.
Fourth Grade
Aiden Williams.
Unified Sports Graduates
Luis Ramirez, a 7th grader at Josiah Quincy School. Brielle Cousin, a 7th grader at the Mildred Ave K-8 School.
Coaches
Erin Devine, Coordinator of Special Education; Trevor Perry, Physical Education Teacher; Christine Rychert, Occupational Therapist; Diana Katsikaris, 5th/6th grade science teacher; Shannon Foley, Social Worker
