What’s In A Varsity Letter?

March 31, 2015 / 0 Comments

By: Nick Savarese

A varsity letter has a lot of meaning for many people for quite a few reasons. The story of Michael Kelly of Wichita East High School went viral last week after his school deemed he didn’t rightfully earn his varsity letterman’s jacket. There is no need for me to even argue that this was a poor decision by the school. At least, as a people, we’re at that point.

The problem here is what that varsity letter symbolizes. For “typical” students, a varsity letter is a stepping stone. A beginning. The first of many life-long opportunities to contribute meaningfully to a team. To belong to a community. For high school students with intellectual disabilities, though, the varsity letter (or the role in the school play or the high-five in the hallway between classes) often offers the last and closest opportunity for this same sense of belongingness.

Public schools are mandated to educate students with intellectual disabilities in as inclusive settings as possible, and to provide equal access to athletics and other extra-curricular activities. We are all better for it. Unfortunately after high school, inclusive opportunities for these young adults are not as easy to come by. Be it employment, relationships, athletics, arts, whatever. Significant barriers exist between this population and their communities.

Special Olympics game in TD Garden at halftime of a Celtics game

Thankfully, the first generation of typical students who were educated in “mainstream” environments alongside people with intellectual disabilities are now entering their 30’s. They are into established careers. They are beginning to make hiring decisions. They are becoming community leaders. Or hopefully at a minimum are volunteering and looking to better society. They remember that students like Michael not only belonged in their school community but also contributed to and enriched it in some way.

So I’m confident when these folks are in charge, the outlook for people with intellectual disabilities will be different. In the meantime though, we have to be aware at all turns to ensure that our work, social, and civic communities are as inclusive as possible. That comes though hiring, volunteering, and just being a decent person. Let’s make sure the varsity letter is the opening stanza rather than the encore for these great young adults who have so much to offer.