Catoctin High Is Third FCPS School to Earn Banner Recognition from Special Olympics

Catoctin High School earned national banner recognition from Special Olympics North America for schoolwide efforts to provide inclusive sports and activities for students with and without special needs.

Catoctin earned this status by meeting 10 national standards of excellence in the areas of inclusion, advocacy, and respect. The primary activities within these standards include Special Olympics Unified Sports® where students with and without disabilities train and compete as teammates, inclusive youth leadership, and whole school engagement. National banner schools should also demonstrate they are self-sustainable or have a plan in place to sustain these activities into the future.

“We are so proud of Catoctin High earning this national honor,” FCPS Superintendent Dr. Cheryl L. Dyson said. “All students should have the ability to excel and enjoy physical education activities, and our schools are proud to choose to include students in activities.”

Catoctin High is the third FCPS school to earn national banner recognition, joining Twin Ridge Elementary and Tuscarora High.

Catoctin High, Urbana High, Gov. Thomas Johnson High, and Tuscarora High earned 2024 Special Olympics Maryland Unified Champion school status.

Special Olympics Maryland is a longtime FCPS partner and provides opportunities for students to get involved in physical activities. More than 250 schools in Maryland are currently participating in Special Olympics Unified Champion programming