Germantown High School has been named the winner of the first-ever Unified 2026 Challenge through Special Olympics Wisconsin.
Why it matters:
GHS earned the highest score among all participating Wisconsin high schools for its yearlong commitment to inclusion, student leadership, and school engagement.
Led by Best Buddies:
Best Buddies students organized and led the monthly challenges throughout the school year. The club helps create friendships and authentic connections between students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities.
What students accomplished:
• Wore crazy socks to celebrate Down Syndrome awareness
• Led inclusion-focused morning announcements
• Decorated doors to promote inclusive holiday spirit
• Partnered with the powerlifting team
• Created a giant “U” for Unified to hang in the cafeteria
• Encouraged the school community to pledge inclusion
• Created schoolwide paper chains for Autism Acceptance Month
Bigger than participation:
Inclusion is more than being present. It is belonging, contributing, and working together with acceptance and respect.
The result:
GHS earned the top score in Wisconsin and received a $500 award through the Unified 2026 Challenge.