Ellington High School was buzzing with excitement during UKnighted Week, a special event filled with fun, friendship, and the spirit of inclusion. The week was organized by the Best Buddies chapter at the school to celebrate the importance of including everyone, no matter their abilities. The entire school came together at the end of the week for a pep rally to show that “Inclusion is the Heart of Community.”

A Week of Colors and Unity

Each day during UKnighted Week, students wore different colors from the Best Buddies logo. The hallways were bright with blues, oranges, yellows, and purples. This simple act of dressing in different colors reminded everyone of the beauty of diversity. Everyone is unique, and these colors showed how all differences can come together to make something beautiful.

The school mascot, the Knights, proudly represented the school’s motto: “Suit Up, Stand Up.” This motto fit perfectly with the mission of Best Buddies. It reminded everyone to step up and support each other, no matter what.

Pep Rally: A Celebration of Inclusion

The highlight of the week was the big pep rally in the gym. The energy was electric as the whole school gathered to celebrate. Cheerleaders cheered, dancers performed, and sports teams showed their spirit. The gym was filled with laughter, excitement, and love.

Students from all grades competed in fun games like musical chairs, hungry hippos, and basketball against the teachers. These games were more than just fun; they showed how teamwork and inclusion bring people together. The winning grade earned the title “Keeper of the Knight,” a proud symbol of unity and spirit.

Voices of Leadership

During the rally, the Best Buddies executive board, or “e-board,” spoke to the entire school. Maya, Hannah, Lauren, Addy, and Taylor, along with their advisors Andrea and Jessica, shared the mission of Best Buddies. They explained how important it is to include everyone and how much friendships can grow when people accept each other for who they are.

“We are all unique and different,” said Hannah, a Co- Chapter President. “But when we come together, we make a difference in each other’s lives. Inclusion isn’t a choice; it’s a responsibility.”

Maya, the other Co-Chapter President added, “It gave me chills to stand in the middle of the gym, surrounded by a community that stood together. We all wore black that day, showing our unity. Inclusion isn’t just something nice to do; it’s something we must do to make our world better.”

A Special Mission Moment

One of the most memorable parts of the pep rally was when Buddy Director Addy introduced a special guest speaker: Margo Meley. Margo is a Best Buddies Connecticut State Ambassador and was recently named a Best Buddies Global Ambassador. Margo shared her own high school experience, which wasn’t always easy.

“In high school, I struggled to make friends,” Margo said. “But when I joined Best Buddies, everything changed. I found true friends who accepted me just the way I am. Best Buddies taught me that inclusion isn’t just for school; it’s for life.”

Her story touched everyone. Many students realized that small acts of kindness, like saying hello or inviting someone to sit with them at lunch, can make a big difference.

The Power of Community

UKnighted Week showed that inclusion isn’t just a word—it’s something we live every day. When the school came together, they proved that they are stronger as one community. The gym echoed with cheers, laughter, and applause, but more importantly, it was filled with a sense of togetherness.

The week ended with everyone standing together, proud of what they had achieved. They were reminded that even though the pep rally was over, the mission of inclusion continues. Ellington High School showed that when you “Suit Up and Stand Up” for each other, amazing things can happen.

Best Buddies helped the school see that every student matters. Friendships built on understanding and acceptance create a stronger, happier community for everyone. UKnighted Week wasn’t just a fun event; it was a powerful lesson about the importance of kindness, respect, and inclusion for all.