YUCCA VALLEY – Yucca Valley High School proudly hosted a groundbreaking Youth Summit as part of its Unified Champions Program, bringing together students from eight schools across the district and region. The summit, held March 11, served as a platform for fostering inclusion, leadership and collaboration among students of all abilities.
The Unified Champions Program at Yucca Valley High School began as a vision to create a more inclusive environment where students of all abilities could connect, participate and be celebrated. Inspired by a partnership opportunity with Special Olympics Southern California, the school embraced the initiative with open arms, recognizing the urgent need to integrate special education and general education students in meaningful ways. From its humble beginnings with Unified Sports and the Better Together Club to school wide events like Fun with Friends and Unified PE, the program has transformed campus culture, making inclusion a daily practice rather than just an ideal.
“When I first started working with these athletes, I approached it with curiosity and kindness. However, over the years, my understanding has grown, and what I thought was just a chance to help others has turned into a truly powerful and life-changing journey,” said YVHS unified student Aravada Martin.
The Youth Summit continued this legacy by welcoming student leaders, educators and community members committed to promoting a culture of acceptance and unity. Throughout the day, attendees participated in interactive workshops, team-building activities and discussions about what inclusion looks like in their schools. Students engaged in hands-on exercises designed to strengthen communication, trust and collaboration, reinforcing the importance of breaking down barriers and fostering meaningful connections.
“Here on campus, working day to day with these athletes, I find myself truly being able to redefine what inclusion is,” said student Breanna McFerrin.
The Unified Champions Program, a nationwide initiative supported by Special Olympics, encourages schools to implement inclusive sports, youth leadership programs and whole-school engagement activities. The Youth Summit at Yucca Valley High School provided students with tools and resources to enhance their advocacy efforts and strengthen their commitment to unity.
Attendees left the summit with a renewed sense of purpose and actionable strategies to implement in their schools, ensuring that all students, regardless of ability, feel valued and included.