Zizzers Unified Team in action as WPHS recognized with statewide honor

West Plains High School was recognized by Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO) Missouri (SOMO) with the Show Me Excellence Award, a prestigious state-level honor presented to Unified Champion Schools that demonstrate exceptional leadership and commitment to inclusion.

 

The Zizzers received their state banner on February 24, during Senior Night at the boys’ basketball game, where the Zizzers Unified Team took the court in front of a packed home crowd.

 

Jennie Randolph, Unified Champion Schools Manager for Southern Schools, presented the banner and described the night as a powerful example of what true inclusion looks like in action.

 

“The gym was packed, the tunnel entrance was electric, and the sportsmanship shown by both Hillcrest Boys' Basketball and West Plains Boys' Basketball as they cheered on the Zizzers Unified Team was incredible,” Randolph shared. “The student section was on its feet the entire time, and the cheers after each basket could be heard all the way outside the building.”

 

Throughout the evening, it was clear that Unified at West Plains is not driven by one individual—it is embraced by the entire school community. From Student Council and its dedicated advisor to passionate students from every friend group, coaches, paraprofessionals, building leadership including the principal and assistant superintendent, the support was visible at every level.

 

“This is not one person leading the charge,” Randolph said. “It’s a town coming together to support what is truly important.”

 

One of the most unique and meaningful moments of the night came after the Unified game, when the Unified Team joined the varsity players in the tunnel for the Varsity entrance—an unmistakable symbol that inclusion at West Plains goes both ways.

 

“Everyone is in this together,” Randolph added.

 

As a model Unified Champion School, West Plains High School has successfully implemented the three core components of the Unified Champion Schools program: Inclusive Youth Leadership, Whole School Engagement, and Unified Sports & Activities. The Show Me Excellence Award recognizes schools that go beyond participation—creating meaningful opportunities for students with and without intellectual disabilities to learn, lead, and grow together while inspiring other schools across Missouri.

 

Special Olympics Missouri applauds West Plains High School for its leadership, commitment, and dedication to building a culture where everyone belongs.

 

For more information about Special Olympics Missouri’s Unified Champion Schools program, visit www.somo.org/ucs.