CHICAGO — In a city proud of its diverse communities, one elementary school is being recognized nationally for ensuring no student is left behind.
Luther Burbank Elementary School, located in Chicago’s Belmont Cragin neighborhood, has earned the Special Olympics Unified Champion National Banner Award — a prestigious recognition reserved for schools that demonstrate exceptional commitment to inclusion for students of all abilities.
A Robotics Team Built on Inclusion
At the heart of the recognition is the school’s Unified Robotics team, where students with and without intellectual disabilities work together in competition, collaboration, and community-building.
“They don’t see differences with each other, they see abilities with each other,” said Principal Edward Collins. “They see partners, peers, and collaborators.”
A Nationally Recognized Model
Luther Burbank is now one of just 17 elementary schools in the nation to earn the national banner. The school met all the criteria set by the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools program, which aims to bring students of varying abilities together through inclusive sports and leadership opportunities.
“We’re in almost 400 schools in Illinois,” said Pete Beale-DelVecchio, President and CEO of Special Olympics Illinois. “Burbank is truly a model for what inclusion looks like at the elementary level.”
Students Speak Through Action
Among the students recognized are Natalie Beltrand and Kayla Duran, teammates on the Unified Robotics team. Kayla is non-verbal and communicates through an assisted communication tool. For both girls, the program has made a lasting impact.
“I like Unified because I make new friends,” Kayla shared through her device.
Natalie, her partner, reflected on how the program opens eyes to empathy and understanding:
“People should know more about it. If somebody is bullying someone with special needs, they don’t understand their story until they join Unified,” she said.
Backed by Community and Corporate Support
As part of the recognition, Luther Burbank proudly displays a large banner in its front lobby. The school also received support from Amazon, which donated $100,000 to the Unified Schools Program, including robotics kits for students to continue building inclusive teams.
Planting Seeds That Last a Lifetime
Principal Collins emphasized that the recognition is about more than awards — it’s about creating lasting memories and building a culture that values every child.
“What we’re doing is planting lasting, fond memories of school,” he said.
Have you or someone you know participated in a Unified program in Illinois? Share your stories of inclusion and collaboration with us at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com — we’d love to highlight more voices building a better future for all students.
