Photo: IKM-Manning’s Beth Hagedorn and Bryan Coffey with Special Olympics
Earlier this month, the IKM-Manning High School and Middle School were presented with two Unified Champion School Banners at an assembly. This Special Olympics program is designed to promote social inclusion through intentionally planned and implemented activities that drive system-wide change. IKM-Manning was recognized, not only for their work with the Special Olympics, but with their unification efforts throughout the system. The Unified Schools program has a goal of bringing all students together, including those with disabilities, through a three-part structure of sports, youth leadership and whole school engagement. Sports is the catalyst for this movement, and IKM-Manning’s Beth Hagedorn, who is the Special Olympics Coach and life skills instructor, was instrumental in the recognition. Not only has Hagedorn organized the annual Special Olympic events at Foreman Field for many years, she also nominated the school for the award several months ago. IKM-Manning is one of 21 other schools in the state selected for this honor.