Three Charles County Public Schools Unified track and field teams raced to the winner’s circle earlier this week at the Special Olympics Maryland Unified Track and Field state competition.
The teams each took home first place in their respective divisions, which are based on the number of students on a team.
A combined team of 21 students from North Point and Westlake high schools placed first in Division 1. A combined team of 26 students from Maurice J. McDonough and Thomas Stone high schools placed first in Division 3. La Plata High School, with 35 students, placed first in Division 4.
Special Olympics Maryland is a program that brings students with and without disabilities together to compete on the same team.
“Our school has an incredibly inclusive student body that warmly welcomes and supports all student-athletes,” Stephanie Barry, La Plata social studies and special education teacher, said.
She has coached La Plata’s Unified bocce and track and field teams for years. “Unified sports provide students with meaningful opportunities to build acceptance, work toward shared goals and develop lasting friendships,” Barry said. “These connections extend beyond practices and competitions, as students regularly interact in the hallways and cafeteria, helping to foster a truly inclusive school environment.”
CCPS high school students can participate in Unified tennis in the fall, bocce in the winter and track and field in the spring. Teams hold practices during the week and compete locally before advancing to divisional and state competitions.
The victories highlight the strong commitment to inclusion and athletics in Charles County Public Schools, which serves more than 28,000 students across Waldorf, La Plata and surrounding communities. Unified sports programs give students with disabilities the chance to compete alongside their peers while building confidence, teamwork and school spirit.
These programs also strengthen community connections across Southern Maryland. Families in Charles County and neighboring Calvert and St. Mary’s counties benefit from inclusive activities that promote acceptance and provide meaningful participation opportunities for all students.
The success of the three teams reflects the dedication of coaches, athletes and school staff who work year-round to support Unified sports. La Plata High School’s strong showing in Division 4 underscores the depth of talent and commitment in the county’s largest Unified program.
Charles County Public Schools continues to expand opportunities for all students through adaptive athletics and inclusive programming. The district’s Unified teams regularly compete at high levels and bring pride to the Southern Maryland region.
