Club UNIFY, a new club created by the special education department, was created to involve students with intellectual disabilities and peer partners.
Mrs. Clodi, Special Education coordinator stated “The goal of a Club UNIFY is to give students of all abilities the opportunity to work together and socialize in an inclusive environment.”
Mrs. Adams, special education added “It is a good way to bring people together, rather than having a ‘us’ mentality strive for a ‘we’ mentality.
Club UNIFY is known for including all students with intellectual disabilities, but when did Club UNIFY get put into action?
Mrs. Adams, said “This idea has been around for a while, Mrs. Clodi brought this idea up for our school but with COVID it was difficult to start up Club UNIFY.”
Mrs. Clodi added “Around 2011, I learned about the ‘Spread the Word to End the Word’ campaign following a speech at an assembly made by Soeren Palumbo in 2007, as I began my personal mission.”
Mrs. Clodi added “I was invited by my friend, Jen Kelso, who is in charge of all things UCS in Illinois, to rejoin the statewide Educator Leaders Network and encouraged us to have another pair serve on the Youth Activation Committee.”
Mrs. Clodi stated “That was what ignited our resurgence in Unified Champion Schools programming, including Club UNIFY.”
Why are students joining this Club UNIFY? Erik Heck ‘24 stated he joined because “it is for anybody and everybody.”
Heck stated “It makes me feel awesome and feel good.”
Preston Woodrome ‘26 added the reason he joined was to “get more involved at school and have fun.”
Woodrome added “It makes me feel happy, being able to hang out withnew friends.”
Mrs. Adams stated, “I love it, it is good for the soul.” stating “We can learn so much from each other.”
How will Club UNIFY impact our school community?
Trey Whipps ‘24 stated “If people got involved with club UNIFY it could make our school view things and people with a different perspective.”
Mrs. Clodi stated Club UNIFY will impact our school community by “showcasing along with other Unified Champion School components, can help us create an accepting school environment where ALL students are seen, included, and celebrated as valuable members of our school community.”
Club UNIFY is not the only unified school extracurriculars. MV is currently in the season of E-Sports and just finished off their soccer season as they head into basketball season.
This gives students the opportunity to branch out in other unified extracurriculars if one activity is not their thing. This allows more inclusivity and range to get involved.
Woodrome added “Join Club UNIFY!” as his last words.
Keep striving for inclusivity!
