Three Maryland Unified Teams Win State Championships

Students with and without disabilities just showed Maryland what teamwork really looks like, sweeping state championships across three divisions at Special Olympics Maryland's track and field competition.

Three Charles County Public Schools Unified teams claimed first place in their respective divisions this week. A combined team of 21 students from North Point and Westlake high schools won Division 1, while 26 students from Maurice J. McDonough and Thomas Stone high schools took Division 3, and La Plata High School's 35-student team dominated Division 4.

Unified sports bring together students of all abilities to compete on the same team. The program runs three seasons in Charles County, with tennis in fall, bocce in winter, and track and field in spring.

Stephanie Barry, who has coached La Plata's Unified teams for years, sees the impact extend far beyond the track. "These connections extend beyond practices and competitions, as students regularly interact in the hallways and cafeteria, helping to foster a truly inclusive school environment," she said.

The students practice during the week and compete locally before advancing to divisional and state competitions. This year, their hard work paid off with three state titles.

The Ripple Effect

The victories matter, but the real win happens every day in school hallways. Barry notes that her school's student body warmly welcomes and supports all student athletes, creating meaningful opportunities for acceptance and lasting friendships.

When students of different abilities work toward shared goals, they build something bigger than trophies. They create communities where everyone belongs, everyone contributes, and everyone celebrates together.

Charles County serves nearly 28,000 students across 38 schools in Southern Maryland. The district's commitment to inclusion means every student gets the chance to shine, whether on the track, in the classroom, or anywhere in between.

These three teams proved what happens when schools open doors instead of building barriers: students rise to meet the moment, support lifts everyone higher, and championships become a team effort in the truest sense.