Something special happened on the Farmington High School stage Oct. 24 and it was pure joy. The Davis School District’s first-of-its-kind Unified Ambassador event was the culmination of a two-day process to select students in specialized education programs to serve as district ambassadors for the Unified Sports programs that promote belonging and inclusion in schools.

A group dance by the 12 participants to “Friend Like Me” kicked off the program followed by individual talent performances. Radio and TV personality Casey Scott was MCEE. The students had rehearsed the dance the night before and also participated in leadership interviews with district leaders, including Assistant Superintendent, Logan Toone. 

Judges were: 

• Dr. Timothy Best, Healthy Lifestyles Director for DSD.

• Dr. Logan Toone, Assistant Superintendent.

• Lisa Wall, one of the directors of Special Education.

• Belinda Kuck, who worked in DSD for 33 years before retiring recently.

• Lisa Frost, Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity.

“Unified pairs kids with special needs with peer supporters,” said Heidi Murdock of the Murdock Foundation that supports the program. “These kids will be spokespeople and have leadership training with the Special Olympics and school board to spread awareness. It’s a game changer to the environment at the schools.”

Murdock said the Ambassador program aligns with Murdock’s mission. “We try to help youth with mental and physical health. Unified gives the peers a different perspective on life. Their lives are changed. They see that they have more in common than they have differences.”

“For the past two years I’ve envisioned starting a program in the district,” said Fairfield Junior High Assistant Principal Maria King. “In the spring I met with people in the special education department and I talked to others who wanted to be a part of it.”

It gives the kids leadership opportunities and a voice in the district, she said. “We want students with disabilities to have something for them. We want it to be a unified program where ambassador students with disabilities are paired with a peer ambassador that helps along the way.”

The ambassadors will meet with the Office of Equal Opportunity to share what they’ve seen in schools and give ideas on ways to help with any issues, said King. “They’ll also help with inclusion events and present awards to the Best of Davis recipients in the district at a reception in their honor. It’s a special thing to be involved with.

All 12 participants shared a talent at the Ambassador event then judges deliberate to select the five Ambassadors that will represent the district. From dancing and singing to video making, each student gave it their all to impress the crowd. 

Woods Cross High School senior Caleb Trader was one of the five selected to be an Ambassador. Trader has participated in Unified Soccer, Flag Football, Basketball and Track and loves being a Wildcat. Trader sang “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” from Toy Story. 

Taiden Palmer is also a student at Woods Cross and got the audience on their feet with his drums beat boxing.

Ambassadors selected were: 

McCoy Barlow

Michael Abraham

Carter McCrary

Caleb Trader

Skyler Karl

“All of the participants did so much planning,” said King. “Students have a moment to show what they can do. We hope in the future the program will grow even more.”

This gives kids a great leadership opportunity, said Murdock. “These kids will change other people’s lives.” λ