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Amazon's $100,000 investment in Luther Burbank Elementary School in Chicago is expected to benefit more students as the school was recently celebrated as a National Banner School by Special Olympics Illinois. Sarah Glavin, Head of Community Affairs for Amazon in Chicago, made this announcement on December 20.
"Amazon is proud to be in our fourth year of supporting Unified Champion Schools in Illinois," said Glavin, Amazon. "Watching the growth and development of our students and the strengthening of school culture has been inspiring, and we are so glad that today's investment will create more connections and expand Unified programs for students across Chicago."
According to a release, Luther Burbank Elementary School was recognized on December 19, 2024, for its commitment to fostering inclusion for students with and without intellectual disabilities. This recognition was awarded during a special all-school assembly and acknowledges the school's achievement in meeting the ten national standards of excellence set by leaders from Special Olympics and the education community.
The event included remarks from various officials and local leaders such as Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, Illinois State Senator Omar Aquino, Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez, and Special Olympics Illinois President & CEO Pete Beale-DelVecchio. Giannoulias praised the school's efforts by saying their commitment to inclusion through sports and other activities serves as a national standard.
Amazon, a significant partner in the Unified Champion Schools program, presented Special Olympics Illinois with a $75,000 grant. Additionally, they provided $25,000 in an in-kind robotics donation to Children's First Fund to expand programming for Unified Champion Schools into Robotics. Glavin expressed that watching the growth and development of students has been inspiring.
Beale-DelVecchio also commended Luther Burbank Elementary for receiving the Unified Champion Schools National Banner Award. He said that their leadership highlights efforts to earn this award and paves the way for adopting this strategy across Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and throughout Illinois.
Special Olympics Illinois is dedicated to fostering inclusion through sports, education, and leadership programs. According to their website, schools recognized as Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools demonstrate an inclusive environment by meeting ten national standards of excellence.
