The West Plains High School Student Council served as featured presenters at the September luncheon meeting of the Greater West Plains Area Chamber of Commerce, highlighting the school's expanding partnership with Special Olympics.
District Superintendent Dr. Wes Davis introduced the student leaders, sharing that his favorite moments of the past school year included the high school's Veterans Day assembly and a Zizzer basketball game against Forsyth. The varsity victory was memorable, Davis said, but even better was the school's inaugural Special Olympics basketball game played that same evening.
Student council members detailed their work alongside student-athletes over the past two years, emphasizing how the program builds confidence while promoting acceptance across the campus and community. The partnership helps athletes build skills, strength and a sense of belonging, supported by adapted sporting events and whole-school involvement.
Junior Class Representative Indie Barry noted that the Missouri Association of Student Councils and Special Olympics Missouri have partnered for 36 years on various initiatives, including statewide fundraisers.
Jack Sander, student council member and Special Olympics liaison, shared what the program means to him as both an athlete and a special education student. Sander noted that his favorite activities on council include painting bulletin boards and participating in adaptive physical education, adding that running in a recent track meet was a personal highlight.
Student Body President Kenzie Kinder outlined the rigorous standards required to apply for Special Olympics National Banner Unified Champion status, pointing out that only about 30 schools statewide hold the distinction.
“So it’s not just your student council, but it’s also our whole student body that has a part in us applying for this, and they’ve been so incredible to work with,” Kinder told the audience.
Kinder displayed a photo of the packed gym during the home Special Olympics basketball game. “As you can see, our entire student body that night, they were cheering with us, and as Dr. Davis was talking about it was probably the most incredible night,” she said. “I remember crying, I know Mrs. Z was crying. Having our entire school involved is something that was so necessary for us to be able to strive.”
Kinder explained that the application process took roughly two weeks in May and involved Zoom meetings with Special Olympics officials. She stressed that the designation process is so strict that initial applications are often turned back.
“I want to reiterate that we’re not applying for this for recognition,” Kinder said. “This is something that is for our entire school as a whole. This isn’t necessarily a title that goes to our student council — this is saying our high school is inclusive. We are unified, you are welcome here.”
Kinder added that the designation offers reassurance to parents of students with disabilities that their children will be fully included, though she emphasized the school's commitment to the program will continue regardless of official titles.
Surprising both student council members and luncheon attendees, at the conclusion of the student presentations, high school special education teacher and student council advisor Kirsten Zuercher delivered an announcement: West Plains High School has officially been named a Special Olympics National Banner Unified Champion School.
The national recognition honors schools that meet 10 standards of excellence across inclusive sports, youth leadership, whole-school engagement and program sustainability. West Plains joins just seven other Missouri high schools to earn the banner status.
Happy tears were shed and Zuercher hugged the student council members hugs as applause erupted across the room.
Chamber meetings are typically held on the first Thursday of each month in the Magnolia Room of the West Plains Civic Center 110 St. Louis St. The next meeting, a legislative luncheon, will be held at noon October. 1, and will feature guest speakers Sen. Brad Hudson (R-33) and Rep. Lisa Durnell (R-154).
