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Chesterfield Schools Honored as National Banner Unified Champions

TL;DR: Four Chesterfield County high schools have earned National Banner Unified Champion recognition from Special Olympics for their inclusion programs that bring together students with and without disabilities.

The story

Four Chesterfield County high schools have earned National Banner Unified Champion School status from Special Olympics, one of the highest honors a school can receive for advancing inclusion. Cosby, James River, and Midlothian high schools earned 2026 recognition, while Monacan High School earned the honor in 2025.

To achieve National Banner status, schools must meet 10 national standards of excellence and demonstrate sustained commitment across three areas: unified sports programs where students with and without intellectual disabilities train and compete together; inclusive youth leadership; and whole-school engagement involving the entire school community.

Each honored school has developed robust inclusion initiatives. Midlothian High has hosted a Special Olympics Little Feet Meet at James River High for more than a decade, connecting younger students to the program. Cosby High's Champions Together club meets monthly for "Welcome Wednesday" events where members participate side-by-side to build relationships. James River and Midlothian both offer unified sports including bocce and track. The schools' programs reflect the Special Olympics mission of breaking down barriers between students with and without disabilities through athletic competition and community leadership.

National Banner status requires ongoing commitment, and schools must reapply every four years to maintain the designation.

Key players

• Chesterfield County Public Schools: School district administering the honored programs
• Special Olympics Virginia: Organization awarding National Banner Unified Champion status
• Cosby High School: 2026 National Banner honoree with Champions Together inclusion club
• James River High School: 2026 National Banner honoree offering unified sports and hosting inclusion events
• Midlothian High School: 2026 National Banner honoree with Champions Together club and unified sports programs
• Monacan High School: 2025 National Banner honoree with inclusion initiatives

Why it matters: The recognition reflects Chesterfield County's commitment to inclusive education and highlights how schools can meaningfully integrate students with intellectual disabilities into athletic programs and school life. For families whose children participate in these programs, the National Banner status affirms their schools' dedication to inclusion.

Places

• Cosby High School
• James River High School
• Midlothian High School
• Monacan High School

Related links

• Special Olympics celebrates Chesterfield high schools - Chesterfield County Public Schools
• National School Recognition Program - Special Olympics Virginia
• Chesterfield County Public Schools

Read the original at Chesterfield County Public Schools (YouTube) →

Sources

• Special Olympics celebrates Chesterfield high schools
• 18 Virginia Schools Earn National Banner Recognition for Inclusion
• Five Virginia Schools Earn 2025 National Banner Recognition
• National School Recognition Program