YVHS and JTES recognized as National Banner Unified Champion Schools by Special Olympics

Yucca Valley High School and Joshua Tree Elementary School have both been recognized as National Banner Unified Champion Schools by Special Olympics.

The National Banner designation is the highest level of recognition for Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools, honoring schools that demonstrate a sustained commitment to social inclusion, leadership, respect and belonging. To earn the designation, both schools fulfilled 10 national standards of excellence evaluated by Special Olympics staff and a national certifying body. The recognition is awarded for four years.

Morongo Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Patricio Vargas said, “This achievement represents a commitment to building school communities where every student is seen, valued, included and given the opportunity to contribute.”

For Yucca Valley High School, the recognition marks an important milestone in a journey that began during the 2018–2019 school year, when YVHS started a Unified Physical Education Class, which includes students of different abilities in a blended class setting. YVHS Unified leader Angela Gay said, “What started with one Unified PE class and a belief that students of all abilities deserve opportunities to belong, participate, lead and be celebrated has grown into something bigger than we ever could have imagined.”

MUSD says that YVHS expanded its Unified PE program, established Unified Leadership, hosted inclusion-focused events and created opportunities for students with and without disabilities to compete, lead and advocate for inclusion. These efforts have included Unified Sports competitions in flag football, soccer, kickball and track and field, as well as events such as the Unified Champions Pep Assembly and Disability Awareness Fair. 

Morongo Unified School District congratulated the students, educators, families and community members at both Yucca Valley High School and Joshua Tree Elementary School on this accomplishment and for their continued commitment to creating schools where every student is valued and included.