As a Special Olympics Unified Champion School for five years, Ocean View High School places a high priority on unity and inclusivity on campus. Both students and staff focus on creating an environment to welcome and incorporate people with intellectual disabilities.

This year, Special Olympics International declared Ocean View as a 2022 National Banner Unified Champion School. To receive this recognition, OVHS successfully met ten standards of excellence, created by a national panel composed of leaders from Special Olympics and the education community. These standards of excellence emphasize the school’s commitment to unifying individuals of all abilities through activities such as Special Olympics Unified Sports and inclusive Youth Leadership.

“It has been so exciting to see how inclusive Ocean View High School is,” shared Courtney Gillett, OVHS IDEAS teacher. “Unified Sports is truly a benefit for all students, those with intellectual disabilities and those without, and I am honored to be a part of such an amazing program here at Ocean View.”

Ocean View’s principal, Dr. Robert Rasmussen, stated, “OVHS is honored to be recognized as a National Banner Unified Champion School. We value inclusivity and it is part of who we are. A big thank you to everyone who helped to make this possible!”

The Huntington Beach Union High School District applauds Ocean View High School on their efforts and success in increasing inclusion for all students and staff, and we thank Special Olympics International for their recognition of OVHS.