Osaze, also known as “Saze,” is a 17-year-old Youth Leader from Bemidji, Minnesota. Her uncle was a Special Olympics athlete, and she has been involved with the movement since she was very young. Saze also recently participated in her state’s Unified Champion Schools leadership summit.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the normal routine of her school community, Saze noticed a lack of student connection. She saw an increase of bullying and fighting at school, as well as a lack of trust and connection between students. Saze believes a Unified Cultural Festival that represents students of all abilities would kickstart a positive movement in her school.
With the help of Youth Leaders both with and without intellectual disabilities, Saze will hold a Unified Cultural Festival at the start of the school year. This festival will bring the school and larger community together through many ways. Saze plans to conduct a survey to receive input on what type of activities should occur at the event, and she will also work with school members and parents to organize activities, games, and food. With this team of students, staff, and parents, the Unified Cultural Festival is bound to be a success!
Saze and her fellow Youth Leaders plan to use the success of the initial Unified Cultural Festival to make the event an annual celebration for years to come. Led by the power of inclusion, Saze is confident that students with and without intellectual disabilities will be inspired by the festival and feel more welcome and connected to their school. In turn, this will hopefully result in a more positive student culture and an increase in supportive behaviors.