Indian Hill High School Named Special Olympics Unified Champion National Banner School

Celebration event scheduled for December 12 at 12:30 p.m.

The Indian Hill School District is proud to announce that Indian Hill High School has been officially designated a Special Olympics Unified Champion National Banner School, a distinction awarded to schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusion, acceptance, and respect for all students. Only 11 schools in Ohio have achieved this prestigious recognition — and two of those schools are now part of the Indian Hill Village School District.

“The original designation of Indian Hill Middle School and now the current recognition of Indian Hill High School as a Unified Champion National Banner School demonstrates our district’s ongoing commitment to inclusion and belonging,” said Indian Hill CEO/Superintendent Kirk Koennecke. “We are so proud of our students and staff for setting an example not just within our district, but for schools across Ohio and the nation.”

Indian Hill High School earned the Unified Champion National Banner School designation by meeting 10 rigorous standards in the areas of Unified Sports, Inclusive Leadership, and Whole School Engagement. The school’s application was submitted in the spring and reviewed by both Special Olympics Ohio and the Special Olympics National Certifying Body over the summer. Notification of the honor was received in September, and the official banner arrived in November.

To celebrate this achievement, Indian Hill High School will host a presentation ceremony on Friday, December 12, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. in the Sue Harder Performing Arts Center.

“This is a moment of pride for our entire school community,” said Indian Hill High School Principal Andy Gruber. “Our Brave Family has built a culture where everyone is seen, valued, and included. This recognition affirms that our student-leaders are truly living the values we teach every day.”

“We are thrilled to celebrate the students at Indian Hill High School and our Unified organization for earning the Unified Champion National Banner School Designation from Special Olympics,” said Molly Johnson, Indian Hill High School teacher and Unified mentor. “This achievement reflects the spirit of unity, inclusion, and belonging that defines our high school community. We are proud to recognize and celebrate our students for their remarkable accomplishment.”

The Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools program brings together students with and without intellectual disabilities through education, sports, and youth leadership to foster acceptance and understanding in schools.

Photo: Indian Hill School District student-produced Unified logo. Provided.