Every Student, Every School: How Currituck County Built a Culture of Inclusion - SONC

When Toby Sohn talks about Special Olympics, she talks less about competition and more about opportunity.

Since joining in sixth grade, Sohn has competed in events, volunteered at the Special Olympics North Carolina (SONC) Summer Games and taken on challenges she never expected. Along the way, she has built friendships, gained confidence and discovered new experiences beyond the classroom.

“It’s very important because it’s given me the opportunity to do things I never thought I would do before,” Sohn said.

Those opportunities did not happen by accident.

Sohn is a student in Currituck County Schools, the only school district in North Carolina where every school is recognized as a Special Olympics Unified Champion School®. The distinction reflects a districtwide commitment to inclusion that reaches every student, every building and the broader community.

“Currituck County Schools has set a remarkable example of what true inclusion looks like. By becoming the only school district in North Carolina where every school is recognized as a Special Olympics Unified Champion School®, they have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to ensuring every student feels valued, respected and connected. Everyone involved has created a culture where barriers are removed, friendships are built and opportunities are available to all. We are proud to celebrate Currituck County Schools as a leader in inclusive education and a model for school districts across North Carolina,” said Keith L. Fishburne, President/CEO, Special Olympics North Carolina.

For Superintendent Dr. Matt Lutz, becoming a fully Unified district was a natural extension of the district’s mission.

“Our mission is to make sure every student gets the very best education, and if you can serve the students with the highest needs, then you can serve all of your students,” Lutz said.

That philosophy helped turn what was once a smaller effort into a systemwide priority. As more schools embraced Unified programming, district leaders saw an opportunity to ensure every student had access to those experiences.

“We want to take obstacles away for students,” Lutz said. “Becoming a Unified district has helped us remove so many of those barriers.”

The effort was championed by Exceptional Children Director Jamie Miller, who saw inclusion gaining momentum throughout the district and believed every school should be part of it.

“Every school should be Unified. Every school should be inclusive. Every school should be sending the same message,” Miller said.

That message has resonated with students across Currituck County. One of the most striking outcomes, Miller said, has been the enthusiasm of students without intellectual disabilities who want to participate alongside their peers.

“At our middle schools and high schools, the general education students in those Unified classes want to be there,” Miller said. “There’s a waiting list of students who want to be in those classes.”

For Sohn, those connections have been among the most meaningful parts of her experience.

She also credits educators and Unified leaders for encouraging her to step outside her comfort zone, from attending SONC Summer Games to participating in the 2025 Over the Edge fundraiser in Raleigh.

When asked what it means to attend school in North Carolina’s only fully Unified district, Sohn pointed to the way students from across the county come together.

“I think it’s really cool,” she said. “We all get to come together and see how far we’ve come.”

The culture of inclusion extends beyond school walls. Families, local businesses and community members all play a role in supporting athletes and Unified programming throughout the county.

“It’s very unifying as a community, not just as a school district,” Miller said.

For Currituck County Schools, that sense of belonging is the real achievement.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the fact that we are a Unified district,” Lutz said. “I am excited to continue to see this effort grow and open up new possibilities for students.”

And for students who may be thinking about getting involved, Sohn has a simple message: “Just jump in and don’t think twice!”