Two High Schools School Chosen as 2022 National Banner Unified Champions

The School District of Lee County is proud to announce Fort Myers High School and Mariner High School have been chosen as a 2022 National Banner Unified Champion School through the Special Olympics. Only 13 schools in Florida and 166 in the United States achieved this status.

“Mariner High School is committed to Inclusion,” says Principal Dr. Thomas Michel. “A school cannot be great without equity for all students. It’s a Mindset at our school and not a program. It is in every aspect of our school culture, once a Triton always a Triton. We are truly honored and humbled to receive the National Banner for Unified Champion Schools.”

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 has demonstrated commitment to inclusion by meeting 10 national standards of excellence.

The primary activities within these standards include: Special Olympics Unified Sports® (where students with and without disabilities train and compete as teammates), Inclusive Youth Leadership and Whole-School Engagement. Banner Unified Champion Schools demonstrate they are self-sustainable or have a plan in place to sustain these activities into the future.

“This award means so much to our school community,” says Fort Myers High School Special Olympics Coordinator Garrett Copeland. “Becoming a National Banner School and meeting the 10 Standards of Excellence with the Special Olympics is a great opportunity for us to showcase how important Inclusion is among our students, staff and Administration at Fort Myers High School.”

Cypress Lake High School and North Fort Myers High School were members of the Class of 2019 National Banner Unified Champion Schools. Schools can reapply for banner status every four years.