Students and athletes highlighted for inclusion, championships at Haywood County Schools meeting

The board heard a series of athletic recognitions and an invitation to a unified basketball event intended to highlight inclusion for students with disabilities. A presenter described the unified basketball game as ‘‘my favorite night of the year’’ because it pairs students with disabilities with peers to play or cheer, and invited the community to the March 27 event at Pisgah High School with a parade of athletes at 5:30 p.m. and a 6:00 p.m. kickoff.

Board members recognized wrestling and basketball accomplishments from several middle schools. The meeting introduced coaches and players, including a report of an outstanding wrestling season with an overall record described in the remarks as 13-1 and individual placements, and noted a middle-school cheer team’s state championship performance in a virtual competition.

The recognitions were presented as nonaction items; they provided the board a chance to honor students and coaches and to highlight community and family involvement in school activities.