John Murray (#30) helps head coach Chip Collins unveil the new National Unified Championship School banner while Scott Makin, coach Jay Golden, and HHS principal Evan Bishop look on. PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

Hopkinton High School once again was celebrated for its commitment to inclusion, Special Olympics and unified sports with its second National Banner recognition.

Unified basketball co-coach Jay Golden said the school learned about the award at the start of the year. The recognition is given out once every four years, and Hopkinton also was a winner in 2020.

“We are just beyond fortunate for the support we have across the board,” Golden said. “It starts at the top with our administration. We just have so many people who we can turn to for support, and they are always there to help us out when we need it.”

Along with fellow coach Chip Collins, Golden helped bring the Best Buddies program to the school. Best Buddies pairs students with special needs with other students in the school to help form connections and friendships. That program, and the overall inclusive spirit within the high school, was at the center of Hopkinton’s award.

“It emphasizes what a school district does, not only for unified sports but inclusion in areas outside of sports,” Golden said.

The recognition comes in the midst of a highly successful unified basketball season. The Hillers have eight athletes and nearly 30 partners on this year’s team. The athletes, students with physical or intellectual disabilities, are led by captains Kelsey Carlson, Tanush Vuda and John Murray.

“They have all been with our program for a number of years,” Golden said. “They are three veteran leaders for our athletes.”

The other athletes are Jenny Zhang, Landon Rockhold, Kartik Sharma, Avery Schact and Jack Ruran.

Hopkinton has three partner captains in senior Nolan Hwang and juniors Alyssa Budden and Ella Tedstone.

“All three have been involved in many facets of our unified programming here at HHS over the years,” Golden said. “They are wonderful kids and great ambassadors for our program.”

After an overtime loss in its first game, Hopkinton rattled off four straight victories.

“The wins and losses are inconsequential,” Golden said. “It’s really 100% about giving the kids a great experience and helping them build connections and friendships.”

The team’s last few weeks are filled with exciting competition. In addition to four Tri-Valley League games to close out the season, Hopkinton is competing in a tournament at Natick and in the Tri-Valley League Jamboree on Nov. 13 at Holliston. Each of the schools that have unified teams will meet at the Holliston field house for several shorter games.

Golden said Hopkinton is fortunate to field one of the largest unified teams in the league, a sign of the interest in the program and the support from partners, the school and the fans who show up to the games.

“Our players, our partners and athletes are just good kids,” Golden said. “We are just so fortunate to have such a great school and great students who want to reach out and make a difference.”