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Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez announced that Luther Burbank Elementary is "leading the way" in inclusivity, as the school received Banner status from Special Olympics Illinois. This recognition was accompanied by a $75,000 grant from Amazon. Martinez made this statement in a media release on December 20.
"Burbank Elementary and the other CPS schools in this program are leading the way and demonstrating what true inclusivity can look and feel like in an educational environment," said Pedro Martinez, Head of CPS, CEO of Chicago Public Schools. "This is a wonderful example of what can be possible when you bring together equity-minded leaders, educators, and students with a forward-thinking approach. We will continue working Districtwide to make our schools a place of belonging for all students of all abilities."
On December 19, 2024, Luther Burbank Elementary in Chicago was named a National Banner School by Special Olympics Illinois. The accolade recognizes the school's efforts to promote inclusion and reflects its fulfillment of the ten national excellence standards established by educational and Special Olympics leaders.
The award ceremony at Luther Burbank Elementary featured speeches from local leaders, including Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias and Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez. Unified student-athletes showcased their talents in a soccer demonstration. Also present were Illinois State Senator Omar Aquino, District 2; Pete Beale-DelVecchio, President and CEO of Special Olympics Illinois; Chief Joshua Long from the Office for Students with Disabilities; Edward Collins, Principal at Luther Burbank Elementary School; Sarah Glavin, Head of Community Affairs at Amazon; and representatives from the Chicago Children First Fund.
Amazon supported the Unified Champion Schools program with a $75,000 grant to Special Olympics Illinois and a $25,000 robotics donation to the Children’s First Fund. These contributions aim to extend inclusive initiatives beyond sports, encouraging innovation and community in robotics programs. "Amazon is proud to be in our fourth year of supporting Unified Champion Schools in Illinois," said Sarah Glavin. "Watching the growth and development of our students and the strengthening of school culture has been inspiring, and we are so glad that today’s investment will create more connections and expand Unified programs for students across Chicago."
The National Banner Award is given to schools that exemplify a commitment to inclusion by meeting ten standards of excellence set by Special Olympics and education leaders. Among over 400 Unified Champion Schools in Illinois, the program fosters social inclusion from pre-K through college by uniting students with and without intellectual disabilities through initiatives like Unified Sports, inclusive youth leadership, and whole-school engagement.
Special Olympics Illinois is a nonprofit organization providing year-round training and competition in 18 sports for over 55,000 participants. Its mission is to foster a culture of inclusion by integrating individuals with intellectual disabilities into the community through opportunities in sports, health education, leadership, and personal growth.
