Welcoming students of all abilities, the Unified Club creates a space where everyone is included, celebrated, and supported. Through field trips, school-wide events, and everyday interactions, members grow socially, emotionally, and academically– all while having fun!
Club advisor Ms. Jessica Ryan explains, “The Unified Club is a group that fosters inclusion, where students with and without disabilities can participate in social, recreational, and academic activities together. The goal is to promote understanding, friendship, and inclusivity.”
From hosting monthly coffee carts and planning spirit weeks to attending field trips, Unified members remain active and engaged throughout the school year. Long-time member, junior Nicholas Rodriguez, offers a glimpse into the club’s impact, “I get to meet friends from new schools, attend student council meetings with my principal and peers, and have fun at Super Bowl and Thanksgiving parties!”
The club’s mission is to break down barriers, build meaningful friendships, and make Becton a more welcoming place for everyone. According to Ms. Ryan, members take on important responsibilities such as planning events, fundraising, and supporting one another. Many also hold leadership roles, including president and event coordinator, giving them valuable experience while helping foster a positive and inclusive school environment.
Many students say the best part of Unified is the opportunity to go on exciting trips. Becton senior Rachel Chen shares, “Being part of the Unified Club is fun! I get to meet new people and make new friends. My favorite part is going on field trips. I liked the Turtle Back Zoo and seeing the animals.”
Junior Omari Sinclair reflects on the Turtle Back Zoo trip as well, saying, “I feel like the zoo is doing a good job protecting endangered species. It was really fun to explore the zoo with my friends and learn about animals I have never seen up close before.”
Students not only have fun but also develop confidence, empathy, and essential social skills that carry over into their everyday lives. Junior Alice Kim shares how the club fosters a tight-knit community, “I joined the Unified Club because I wanted to be part of a family. The supportive communication and mutual respect among members is what makes it so special.” Senior Austin Delcid-Reyes agrees, adding that the club has helped him expand his circle of friends beyond Becton. “I made new friends from other schools and socialize more with my Becton peers,” he says.
Junior Katelynn Holland echoes, “Unified includes everyone. It helps me communicate more and feel more comfortable talking to teachers.” Delcid-Reyes concurs, noting how the club helped him grow socially and improve his interactions with others.
Senior club memeber, Bridget Broncano, describes her experience as a Unified member as transformative, “Seeing other students smile and open up so easily had to be one of the best moments. Everyone in the club has different talents, and we all work together as a team.” She emphasizes how the club changed her perspective, saying, “We value and promote diversity and inclusion in every aspect of our club. Everyone is equal and unique!” Kim agrees that “creating memories and having connections with other students” is what makes the experience so powerful.
Even in athletics, the spirit of Unified shines. Sophomore Matteo Sanchez, a participant in the club’s Bocce games, highlights the importance of collaboration, “The most important part of Bocce is teamwork, staying positive with teammates, and encouraging them.” This strong sense of teamwork and support perfectly reflects the core values of the Unified Club.
Mr. Gregory Barbo, special education teacher and Unified Bocce coach, explains how students strategize during matches, “Kids will often try to get as close to the pallino as possible.” He also praises the team’s communication and excitement, “The student-athletes work together really well and were all eager to win every match.”
For seniors like Broncano and Brian Martinez, saying goodbye to the Unified Club is bittersweet. “Graduating this year is very sad since I will no longer be here to participate in this club,” Broncano shares. Martinez shares a similar feeling, adding, “One thing I will take away from Unified is the memories and new friendships I have created.”
As the club looks ahead, its goals remain clear, “Promoting lasting friendships, raising awareness about inclusion, and creating a more accessible and supportive school community for everyone,” reinforces Ms. Ryan.
