NRMS brings students together for ‘Play, Connect, Celebrate’ Unified Sports event

Submitted by Charlene Paparizos

North Royalton Middle School welcomed students from three area schools on Sept. 24 for its annual Unified Sports “Play, Connect, Celebrate” Back-to-School Bash.

Students from Westlake Middle School, Strongsville Middle School and Highland Middle School joined North Royalton students for a morning focused on friendship, inclusion and fun.

The celebration began in the NRMS Gold Gym, where students had plenty of opportunities to interact and get to know one another. Activities included cornhole, ribbon wands, a photo booth, a community craft and dancing. Students also enjoyed lunch together before returning to the activities for the remainder of the event.

NRMS peer helpers played an important role in the day, helping welcome visiting students, participating alongside their guests and making sure everyone felt included in the celebration.

The event is part of NRMS’s Unified Sports program, which creates opportunities for students of all abilities to participate together while building relationships and a stronger sense of belonging.

“‘Play, Connect, Celebrate’ is one of those days our students look forward to because it gives them the opportunity to meet new people, build friendships and simply have fun together,” said Meredith Stanton, NRMS educator, coach and Unified Sports coordinator. “Our peer helpers put so much enthusiasm into making our guests feel welcome, and it is wonderful to see the connections that are made throughout the day.”