By nature, humans tend to divide themselves based on differences. Whether in small environments like high school, in professional settings like the corporate world, or on a broader scale, such as national politics, people often cluster themselves with those on similar walks of life as their own.
Despite this frequent occurrence, the importance of unity has proven to be incredibly successful in maintaining mutual happiness, establishing respect and reaching equality among all. One of many national programs, Green Hope’s Unified track and Field is a beloved athletic program that helps foster inclusivity among students of all backgrounds. The GH Falcon recently sat down with Tara Boone (‘26), one of Unified’s members, to inquire about the team.
At its core, Unified track is intended to promote inclusivity among students. It allows students from various backgrounds, abilities and athletic experiences to come together and compete alongside and against one another. The team prioritizes equality among all, regardless of differing backgrounds. “It’s not like we’re doing it for them, but more like doing it with them,” Boone shared. All members of the team are encouraged to participate, including in practices and races.
The season for Unified track begins in March and concludes at the end of May, and is run by Ms. Carneisha Cosby. The number of members at each practice ranges, with roughly 10 special education students and 10 “leaders” at each practice. There are often more participants at meets than at practices. “At practice, we do stretches in a circle, we run around the track, and we practice our technique for the field events,” Boone said. The team has one practice before each meet.
On game days, members of the team have a routine that they often follow. After putting on their matching Unified shirts, the team makes their way down to the track to warm up. Recently, the team has been watching the beginning of the other track meets. “We are at the track meet, but we don’t compete in their events,” she shared. Despite this, members of Unified are able to watch the other track meet, as well as socialize with its members, and vice versa. “There are a bunch of other schools and other people running, and all this stuff is happening at the same time,” she explained.
A rising senior, Boone started in Unified her sophomore year and has been involved for two seasons. Her experiences on the team have taught her that helping the community doesn’t have to include laborious efforts, but is simply just assisting peers with something they could not do themselves, or that would be much harder with minimal help. Being a member of Unified has helped her discover a passion for helping others, with her two seasons allowing her to figure out the highlights of being a part of the program. “My favorite part is being able to be with the kids. I don’t do PEPI, but it’s just fun to get to know [the special education students] and be able to contribute to my fellow students,” she shared. Overall, the program has been incredibly insightful for her and has helped her discover a passion for helping others.
Unified track and Field has been an integral part of fostering inclusion within Green Hope. The efforts of all involved have not gone unnoticed and will continue to increase unity among students for years to come.
