Carmel High School is proud to be recognized as a Special Olympics Unified Champion School®, earning national banner recognition for its commitment to fostering an inclusive school climate. This prestigious honor is awarded to schools that meet 10 national standards of excellence, developed by leaders from Special Olympics and the education community, focused on promoting collaboration, engagement, and respect for all students and staff. 

Carmel High School offers an array of inclusive athletic and extracurricular programs designed to bring together students with and without disabilities, creating opportunities for all students to shine. Through initiatives like Champions Together and Unified Sports, CHS is promoting servant leadership, teamwork, and social inclusion in ways that benefit the entire school community.

Champions Together

Champions Together is a collaborative partnership between the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) and Special Olympics Indiana, focused on empowering students to create a more inclusive school culture.

The program encourages students with and without intellectual disabilities to work together in unified sports, fostering a supportive and engaging environment for all participants. The Carmel chapter participates in a variety of sports and raises funds through events such as the Polar Plunge and the Mr. Carmel Show—an annual male talent pageant.

Champions Together currently has 45 members who help lead unified teams in sports like Unified Bowling and Unified Track & Field, while also organizing key fundraising efforts throughout the year.

One of the standout aspects of Champions Together is the integration of Unified Sports, official IHSAA varsity sports that include both students with and without disabilities working together as teammates. This year, CHS has excelled in Unified Flag Football, Unified Track & Field, and more.

Unified Flag Football

CHS Unified Flag Football has been a major success, bringing together 15 students with disabilities and 30 typical peers. The team operates with the support of both the athletic department and Champions Together, providing opportunities for students to compete and grow. Last year, the team celebrated a major victory, clinching the state championship. The sense of pride and accomplishment shared by all students is one of the program’s most rewarding aspects.

Unified Bocce

Unified Bocce has become a standout program at Carmel High School, bringing together athletes to compete in this unique and engaging sport. The team has enjoyed significant success, winning the state tournament in 2017 and 2019, and finishing as state runners-up in 2018 and 2022. Beyond the competition, the state tournament is a highlight for many students—not only because of the fierce competition but also the fun dance party that takes place mid-event. The interactions with other teams and the camaraderie formed create special moments that the athletes and partners treasure.

Unified Track & Field

Unified Track & Field has a proud history at CHS, with 20 students with disabilities and 50 typical peers participating in the program. Over the years, the team has won Sectionals, Regionals, and numerous Hamilton County tournaments. The dedication and teamwork displayed by the athletes have made Unified Track & Field a celebrated part of CHS athletics.

Unified Science Mentors

Unified Science Mentors is another fantastic program at Carmel High School, where over 15 typically developing students lead monthly science experiments with more than 15 students with disabilities. Each month, students are invited to participate in a wide range of hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity and foster collaboration. Recently, the group completed their first experiment of the year, where students created a simulation of bioluminescence in mason jars. The experience was fun and engaging, providing students with a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of science together.

United Sound

Another exciting program at CHS is United Sound, a peer mentoring initiative that pairs students with disabilities with typical peers in the orchestra setting. With five students with disabilities and 16 peer mentors, United Sound enables students to learn and perform in a musical ensemble. The joy of learning an instrument, playing together, and performing on stage is shared by all, and students have even had the opportunity to perform with prestigious ensembles like The President’s Own US Marine Band and at events like The Midwest Clinic International Band, Orchestra, and Music Conference in Chicago.

In all of these programs, the highlight for many is watching students’ faces light up with pride after a performance or a game. Unified Sports and Champions Together provide a platform where everyone is celebrated for their abilities, and the camaraderie between peers is an experience that lasts a lifetime.