Three Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) Unified track and field teams raced to the winner’s circle earlier this week at the Special Olympics Maryland Unified Track and Field state competition.

The teams each took home first place in their respective divisions which are based on the number of students on a 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; and La Plata High School, which is made up of 35 students, placed first in Division 4.

Special Olympics Maryland is a program that 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,” Stephanie Barry, La Plata social studies and special education teacher, said.

She has coached La Plata’s Unified bocce and track and field teams for 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 with track and field held in the spring. Teams hold practices during the week and compete locally, before heading to divisional and eventually the state competitions. 

About CCPS

Charles County Public Schools provides 27,904 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 38 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.

The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Mike Blanchard, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event. 

CCPS provides nondiscriminatory equal access to school facilities in accordance with its Use of Facilities rules to designated youth groups (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts).