Written by: Amity Batt
A new face has taken the lead of Lions Unified this school year. Although Nicole Purlee was involved with the program in the past, this is her first year as sponsor.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to be the Lions Unified sponsor for SHS,” she said. “This club has a special place in my heart.”
Angela Phipps, who left her position at SHS last year, was the previous sponsor. She put lots of time into building the club and is still a volunteer, helping Purlee as she makes the transition.
Lions Unified is a club that helps connect general education students with special education students. Everyone is equal in the activities and games they participate in, which has led to all students being treated with the same respect outside of club events. The students gather to enjoy activities during the school day, as well as field trips.
“These events are honestly the best!” said Purlee. “Seeing our students working together on activities, playing games, or just being together is honestly something that brings me so much joy. I get a front row seat at seeing students learn from one another and just have fun.”
An event the group has participated in in the past is the annual Polar Plunge, which is coming up soon. This year, SHS students are joining the Washington County Chillers. Participants will jump into Deam Lake to raise money for Special Olympics.
“I hope to bring back the SHS Arctic Lions team for the 2026-2027 school year,” said Purlee, referring to the SHS team made up of students and staff.
The next big event planned for the group will be the Lions Unified basketball game, held on April 4.
“The biggest community event for Lions Unified is the Unified basketball game in the spring,” Purlee said.
The basketball game is popular because SHS students get to play in it. The members of the boys and girls basketball teams that want to be included get put on teams and some of the upperclassmen are coaches. The cheerleaders also come and there is a dance-off as the halftime performance! Members of the community come out to watch the game every year. Everybody that comes has a great time.
Purlee hopes to keep expanding Lions Unified to BSE and SMS in the coming years. She thinks including the younger kids could make a positive effect both on the program and with students. This way, the students would already understand how Lions Unified works when they enter high school.
“My hope is to have more friendships with our buddies in these buildings, as well as keep those we have at SHS,” Purlee said.
Having Lions Unified at the other school buildings is helpful to be able to include the younger Lions more often and ensure the future of the program.
Students are always allowed to join the club. No students or members will be turned away no matter how late in the year they want to start. The Google Classroom code is always on Purlee’s door and anyone wanting to join is also able to ask any current members how to do so.