Ponaganset High School

At Ponaganset High School in Rhode Island, inclusion isn’t just a program — it’s part of the culture. As a Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® Banner School, Ponaganset has created an environment where students with and without intellectual disabilities learn, lead, compete and belong together. What began within the walls of the school has grown into something much bigger, with a spirit of inclusion that extends into families, neighborhoods and the wider community. This film explores the impact of Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools and the role programs like these play in shaping the next generation. By giving young people the opportunity to build friendships, challenge perceptions and lead with empathy, Unified Champion Schools are creating more inclusive school environments where every student has the opportunity to thrive — while developing the leaders who will carry those values far beyond the classroom.