Journal Editorial - Inclusion is more than a word at Brandon Valley

On Wednesday, March 4, students across the country recognized Spread the Word Inclusion Day, a day dedicated to promoting acceptance, respect and opportunity for individuals of all abilities. Throughout the Brandon Valley School District, more specifically, at the high school however, inclusion is not something that fits into a single day on the calendar.

It is something that lives in the hallways, classrooms and activities of BVHS every day.

While many schools mark the occasion briefly, Brandon Valley turned it into a week-long celebration. Throughout the week, students and staff participated in activities designed to highlight the importance of welcoming everyone and recognizing the strengths that each individual brings to the community.

It is a reflection of something our district has long taken pride in: a strong and compassionate special education program that prioritizes not just services, but belonging.

Programs like Best Buddies International, known locally through the school’s Best Buddies chapter, are a shining example. Best Buddies pairs students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities to build friendships that might not otherwise happen. What starts as a program often grows into genuine connection, laughter, mutual respect and friendship. And that’s something that everyone wants.

But the impact extends far beyond school hours.

One of the most heartwarming traditions to come out of the program is the Best Buddies Prom, an event that celebrates students in a way that is joyful, inclusive and memorable. It is a night where the focus isn’t on differences, but on dancing, smiles and shared experiences. In other words, it looks exactly like what high school should be.

But inclusion at Brandon Valley isn’t limited to special events or designated programs.

It shows up in the every day moments: a student sitting with someone new at lunch, crowds cheering for these athletes with special needs just a little louder during halftime of a varsity basketball game, or a teacher making sure every student has a voice in the classroom.

Those small actions build something powerful.

Inclusion teaches empathy. It teaches patience. It teaches students that the measure of a community is not how it celebrates those who succeed easily, but how it ensures everyone has a place.

And perhaps most importantly, it prepares young people for the real world, a world that works best when people understand, support and value one another.

In a time when division too often dominates headlines, it is encouraging to see a school community intentionally choosing connection instead.

At Brandon Valley, inclusion isn’t just a theme for a week.

It is a culture.

And that is something worth celebrating every day.