PHS Students, Teacher Venture To D.C. For Special Olympics Day

Perkins High School students Maddison Beard and Jordan Wagner and Intervention Specialist Lindsay Bookshar had the honor of representing both their school and the state of Ohio at Special Olympics Capitol Hill Day in Washington, D.C. 

Selected through Special Olympics Ohio, Maddison, Jordan and Ms. Bookshar traveled to the nation’s capital to participate in Capitol Hill Day on February 10, an annual advocacy event that brings together athletes, educators, and leaders from across the country to meet with members of Congress and share the impact of inclusive programming.

The Perkins High School delegation had the unique opportunity to speak directly with congressional representatives, sharing personal stories about the power of Unified Sports, inclusion in schools, and the life-changing experiences provided through Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools. Throughout the day, the students confidently advocated for continued support and funding, highlighting how inclusive education fosters leadership, friendship, and opportunity.

“It was incredible to watch our students shine,” Ms. Bookshar said. “They spoke from the heart, shared their journeys, and truly represented Perkins High School and Ohio with pride. This experience was about more than just being present — it was about using their voices to make a difference.”

Capitol Hill Day empowers Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners to become advocates, ensuring lawmakers understand the importance of inclusive programs in schools and communities nationwide. By participating, Perkins High School continues its commitment to fostering leadership, equity, and belonging for all students.

The trip marked not only a milestone for the students involved but also a proud moment for Perkins High School and the entire state of Ohio. Their advocacy serves as a reminder that inclusion is not just a program — it is a movement.