Smithfield Selma High School, in Johnston County, is one of the newest Unified Champion Schools in North Carolina and they are already rocking the inclusion revolution!
This school year, the students have already participated in a Unified volleyball scrimmage and enjoyed a Unified flag football exhibition game during halftime of the Smithfield-Selma vs. Clayton football game.
This spring, Smithfield-Selma will join the seven other high schools in their county to compete in Unified track and field. In addition to all the Unified Sports, Smithfield-Selma has an active Unified Champion Schools club at their school and do a number of awareness campaigns throughout the year.
“I cannot describe how much fun I am having watching the students at SSS get involved in Unified. Every day we have one or two more students come to me and sign up. I think this club will help our student body come together and really make a difference,” expressed Shannon Walters, the teacher advisor for the club.
A defining moment for Walters occurred as an athlete’s mother approached her following their Unified volleyball game. The mother expressed to her, “This is exactly what my son has needed.”
“That was enough to make it all worth it to me,” said Walters. “I know we are just starting the club, but we had one meeting and already have 80 students. This is just the beginning for Sparta Nation. I truly believe the sky is the limit and cannot wait to watch as the students figure it all out together and make something great happen here.”
Coach Morris, the Varsity Volleyball coach, stated following their scrimmage, “My girls had so much fun playing with students on the Unified team! They were impressed by the students’ talent and desire to be the best they could be!”
Welcome to the Unified Champion Schools family, Smithfield-Selma! We are sure glad to have you!
