By Kimberly Cushwa

On March 2, 2016 the William Penn Colonials will be teaming up with Project UNIFY to host a school-wide Day of Respect and Acceptance. This day is being held to promote the acceptance of all students at WPHS no matter how different. Project Unify is a branch off of the Special Olympics, an education and sports based organization dedicated to helping special needs children, teens, and adults be able to have the same experiences as others their age.

Each year this Day of Respect and Acceptance is held to encourage these full functioning students to pledge to accept all for who they are and to “Spread the Word to End the Word,” a national campaign started in 2009 by youth leaders to end the derogatory use of the word retarded. William Penn has been hosting this event here at the school for five years.

This year students who purchased an event shirt from Ms. Buzby will wear it on March 2. In addition, all students are welcome to sign the banners placed outside each of the lunchrooms as a way to pledge their support to this cause.

This event is not just limited to William Penn. Kylie Frazer, the Delaware representative for Project UNIFY, stated, “There are over 115 schools ranging from early childhood centers to universities from across the state participating in the event this year.”

Those students who wish to continue in assisting this spread of acceptance are able to log on to www.sode.org to find volunteer opportunities and more information on Special Olympics Delaware.