John Baker ES, Manzano HS Named Special Olympics Banner Schools

The honor means the schools are nationally recognized for meeting 10 standards of excellence as Unified Champion Schools.

New Mexico has 37 Special Olympics United Champion Schools at all grade levels, with 13 in Albuquerque. All of the programs work to become Banner Schools. John Baker Elementary School and Manzano High School have been named Banner Schools for their work in the 2018-2019 school year.

John Baker is the first elementary in New Mexico to become a Banner School and was one of the top 34 programs in the national as named by ESPN. 

To celebrate this achievement, John Baker hosted a basketball skills exhibition on Friday, Oct. 18. During the exhibition, they were presented their banner and showcased their wonderful environment in inclusiveness, friendship, and love of sports.