ESPN has announced the 2019 Honor Roll, a list of 34 schools from across the country who have gone above and beyond to create inclusive school communities.

‍Middleborough High School is the only Massachusetts school named to this prestigious list. In addition to participating in Unified sports, students from Middleborough regularly volunteer at Special Olympics tournaments including Summer Games.

There are several levels of recognition schools can receive through Special Olympics. Over 180 Massachusetts schools have received the title of "Unified Champion School" at the state level. 26 of those schools have been named "National Banner Schools" based on their dedication to Unified Sports, Whole School Engagement and Inclusive Youth Leadership.

Each year only a select number of schools from around the country are named to the ESPN honor roll by a national committee, making it the most prestigious honor.

The announcement on the ESPN website explains the mission of Unified Champion Schools:

‍"The aim of Unified Champion Schools is to incorporate Special Olympics sports, leadership and related activities that empower the youth to be the agents of change in their communities. Thus, the focus shifts from the events to that of a whole school movement for inclusion. Special education and general education students -- along with educators and administrators -- are encouraged to work together to create supportive classrooms, school-wide activities and opportunities for growth and success for all."