Manatee Bay Elementary School and Pembroke Pines Elementary School Earn Special Olympics National Unified Champion Schools

Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is proud to announce that Manatee Bay Elementary School and Pembroke Pines Elementary School have been awarded the 2025 National Unified Champion Schools® Banner, an honor bestowed by Special Olympics to schools that meet the highest standards of inclusion, unity and whole-school engagement.

This recognition celebrates schools that demonstrate ongoing commitment to creating inclusive environments where all students feel welcomed, respected and empowered. To earn this banner, schools must meet 10 national standards of excellence developed by Special Olympics.  These standards emphasize Unified Sports, inclusive student leadership, schoolwide engagement activities and a sustainable culture of inclusion.

“Creating inclusive school environments where all students feel welcome, respected and empowered is at the heart of the Unified Champion Schools initiative,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn. “We congratulate Manatee Bay Elementary and Pembroke Pines Elementary for earning this prestigious recognition and thank Special Olympics for helping us promote an environment of unity, respect and belonging.”

With this recognition, Manatee Bay Elementary and Pembroke Pines Elementary join an elite group of schools nationwide honored for their leadership in social inclusion through education and sports.

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ABOUT BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS 
“Educating all students to reach their highest potential.” 
Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is a proud “A” rated District, serving as the sixth-largest school district in the nation and the second largest in the state of Florida. As Florida’s first fully accredited school system since 1962, BCPS educates more than 247,000 students and approximately 125,000 adult learners across 239 schools, centers and technical colleges, and 86 charter schools. BCPS supports a diverse student population representing 174 different countries and speaking 157 languages. To connect with BCPS, visit browardschools.com, follow us on “X”  @browardschools, on Facebook at facebook.com/browardschools, on Instagram @browardschoolsofficial, on YouTube at youtube.com/browardschoolsvideos and download the free BCPS mobile app at browardschools.com/MobileApp.