Walled Lake Central recognized as Special Olympics National Unified Champion School
Walled Lake Central recognized as Special Olympics National Unified Champion School
Walled Lake Central High School received national recognition being honored by the Special Olympics as a National Champion Unified School. The Vikings’ unified program is one of just 20 from the state of Michigan to earn the National Champion Unified School title.
“The national recognition is something that we have been building from the ground up over the last three years,” said Vikings’ unified coach Toni Brubaker-Flood. “It happened as each opportunity to grow with inclusion and programs presented themselves to us, and we jumped on board.”
Walled Lake Central earned the title of National Champion Unified School by demonstrating its commitment to inclusion by meeting the ten national standards of excellence: Integrated Sports Offerings, Inclusive Youth Leadership Opportunities, Sustained Whole-School Engagement, Student-Led Activation, Inclusion Campaigns, Collaboration, School Culture of Inclusion, Student Involvement and Planning, Sustainability Plans, and A Self-Sustainable Future.
“The love that our athletes and buddies share with one another on and off the court is evident every single day as you walk through the halls of Walled Lake Central,” said Brubaker-Flood. “This is bigger than just a sport, a club or an assembly, it's a culture of true friendships.”
“Unified Sports has quickly woven itself into the fabric of Walled Lake Central,” said principal Kyle Meteyer. “Our students want to be included and they want to include others, in a big, meaningful way.”
“Unified Sports has brought our community together in ways I never imagined, showing us the truest form of what sports are meant to be,” said Brian Swinehart, Walled Lake Consolidated Schools Director of Athletics. “The impact has been incredible not only for the athletes, but for everyone involved. With dedicated leaders like Toni Brubaker-Flood and Deputy Nick Krafft coaching the team, we’ve seen firsthand how inclusion, teamwork and joy can transform lives.”
Walled Lake Central was also recognized in July by Special Olympics Michigan as its 2024-25 Most Improved Player Award, which is given annually to schools that show growth within their unified program and embody the three components of Unified Champion Schools: Inclusive Student Leadership, Unified Sports and Whole School Engagement.