West Wake News

In Rockingham County, North Carolina, students at Rockingham County High School have established a Unified Club to promote inclusion and leave a lasting impact. The club is inspired by the principles of Special Olympics North Carolina (SONC) and aims to enhance the lives of students with intellectual disabilities while benefiting the entire student body.

The club was founded by Ella Kate Delapp, Hannah Hinshaw, and Madison Davis. Ella Kate and Hannah, both juniors, collaborated with Madison, a freshman and Special Olympics athlete. Their journey began after volunteering at the 2024 SONC Summer Games. "Ella Kate and I have always been a team and as soon as we volunteered with SONC we just knew we needed to do something within our community and start making a change," said Hannah.

Motivated by their experiences, they formed the Unified Club at their school. The club meets bi-weekly to organize activities that connect students with and without intellectual disabilities.

Functional Skills Teacher Josh Hardin encouraged them to apply for the Special Olympics Youth Innovation Grant. This grant supports youth leaders in promoting inclusion. They participate in regular Zoom meetings with Special Olympics North America staff for leadership development insights. “I’ve learned a lot about all of the things you need to consider when planning a project to make sure it’s accessible to everyone,” said Ella Kate.

Allie Stockburger from Special Olympics North Carolina highlighted their achievement: “Hannah, Ella Kate, and Madison’s Youth Innovation Grant is one of only 85 projects selected globally. It is an extraordinary achievement and Special Olympics North Carolina is proud of their commitment to making their community more inclusive.”

The grant has helped plan a Unified Week aimed at raising awareness. “We really think that this Unified Week is going to be able to grow our club and awareness,” expressed Ella Kate and Hannah.

Mr. Hardin observed changes in his students due to inclusion efforts: “When I first started at Rockingham, my students were often shy... Now...we can’t walk down the hall without being stopped for a hug or a fist bump.” He added that the club provides space for meaningful conversations: “They feel seen, valued, and supported.”

For Madison Davis, these relationships are significant: “I love playing Uno and visiting with my friends,” she shared about the benefits of biweekly meetings.

The impact extends beyond meetings—it's shaping an inclusive future for the community by fostering friendships, breaking barriers, and celebrating differences.