A Unified Basketball Game Celebrates Inclusion
On May 20, Pine Valley Central School’s Unified Club organized a basketball game that brought together students of all abilities, fostering friendships and school spirit during regular school hours.
The event featured student announcements and a live band, while peers from Fredonia provided the opposing team, allowing teachers, administrators, and families to watch the action unfold on the court.
Coaches and staff emphasized the broader impact of the game, noting how it created a sense of belonging and showcased the power of teamwork across differences.
Cassidy Buchman, one of the team’s coaches, expressed pride in the participants and hopes the program will expand, emphasizing that the game celebrates each student’s strengths and contributions.
Katie Kelley, a staff member and parent, described the atmosphere as uplifting, noting that spectators of all ages enjoyed the event and that the experience could inspire greater interest in the Unified program.
Jeff Housler, a physical education teacher, called the energy on the court “electric,” underscoring the excitement that such inclusive activities generate within the school community.