LA PLATA, Md. — Three Charles County Public Schools Unified track and field teams earned first-place finishes earlier this week at the Special Olympics Maryland Unified Track and Field state competition.
The teams competed in divisions based on the number of students on each team.
A combined team of 21 students from North Point and Westlake high schools placed first in Division 1. A combined team of 26 students from Maurice J. McDonough and Thomas Stone high schools placed first in Division 3. La Plata High School, made up of 35 students, placed first in Division 4.
Special Olympics Maryland brings students with and without disabilities together to compete on the same team.
“Our school has an incredibly inclusive student body that warmly welcomes and supports all student-athletes,” said Stephanie Barry, a La Plata High School social studies and special education teacher. Barry has coached La Plata’s Unified bocce and track and field teams for several years.
“Unified sports provide students with meaningful opportunities to build acceptance, work toward shared goals and develop lasting friendships,” Barry said. “These connections extend beyond practices and competitions, as students regularly interact in the hallways and cafeteria, helping to foster a truly inclusive school environment.”
CCPS high school students can participate in Unified tennis in the fall, bocce in the winter and track and field in the spring. Teams practice throughout the week and compete locally before advancing to divisional and state competitions.
About CCPS
Charles County Public Schools provides 27,904 students in prekindergarten through 12th grade with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, CCPS operates 38 schools focused on leadership, character development and college and career readiness.