Working in education is the most rewarding occupation I could ever imagine.

Nothing brings more pride and joy than the celebration by students when they accomplish new things, meet their goals and when they get to engage in traditional rites of passage that only schools can provide.

In the spring of each school year, we get to look back and celebrate the achievements of our students. We celebrate grades, championships, recognition assemblies, concerts and ascension from one grade to the next or one school to the next. 

It is truly wonderful.

That said, schools make great efforts to celebrate all students. 

No, not in the sense that everyone gets a trophy, but rather the fact that each student is different and moves through our school system in their own unique way. I am incredibly proud of our multiple programs that support our special education students from preschool to age 21. In our district we often say, “All means all.” Accepting that statement, we must then celebrate the amazing growth and accomplishment we see each year.

On June 1 at Yelm High School, we will partner with the Rainier, Tenino and Rochester school districts to celebrate our students with special needs. 

The event is called Day of Champions. 

This year’s Day of Champions will see as many as 300 students engaging in games, activities and celebrations of students. Day of Champions is also an outpouring of support from students who do not receive special education services who show up to be a peer, a coach and a friend. 

The school-wide commitment shown is that schools embrace every student and welcome them into the larger school culture. Day of Champions is about smiles, laughter, happiness and the celebration of success.

Yelm Community Schools is proud to lead the effort to build Day of Champions for our students. The committee has spent many hours planning, organizing and soliciting resources for lunch, snacks, T-shirts and prizes for our champions. 

We are so thankful to be joined by local law enforcement and first responders, our local and regional partners who generously donate time and money to this event, and to our students and families who make this day great.

Come celebrate the champions with us.

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Brian Wharton is the superintendent of Yelm Community Schools.