Johnston Public Schools recognized as Special Olympics National Banner School

JOHNSTON, R.I. (WLNE) — Special Olympics Rhode Island and Hasbro recognized four schools in Johnston as Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools at a ceremony on May 18.

Brown Avenue Elementary School, Sarah Dyer Barnes Elementary School, Nicholas A. Ferri Middle School, and Johnston Senior High School were awarded for “demonstrating their commitment to inclusion and meeting 10 Special Olympics North America standards of excellence.”

“The recognition we’re receiving today is very important to us,” Superintendent Bernard DiLullo, Jr. said. “We’re a district who really embraces inclusion. The four schools that are being recognized with their banners have worked hard at ensuring that all of their students embrace each other, identify differences, embrace their differences, and make sure that everyone feels a vital part of their community.”

Special Olympics RI said that the district is the first in the state to have all schools participating in Unified Sports.

“Four of our schools are nationally recognized,” Assistant Superintendent Edda Carmadello said. “They’re Unified Champion Schools, which means they have met the standards and they include all students and all activities from Pre-K to [Grade] 12.”

The community-wide celebration featured a parade of delegates from each school, the unveiling of each school’s banner, and a carnival with food trucks, music vendors, and activities.

The event concluded with the town’s fire and police departments facing each other in a basketball game.