Westminster High School (WHS) kicked off Thanksgiving break with one of its most heartwarming traditions, the 3rd annual Turkey Bowl, a flag football game where students with special needs took the field alongside football players and cheerleaders for a day dedicated to school spirit.

“Each year it gets bigger and better,” said WHS student council coordinator Jen Barnhart. “Inclusivity is incredibly important to us, finding opportunities for all of our students to participate.”

In the days leading up to the event, every homeroom was paired with a student athlete to cheer on. Students made personalized posters based on their athlete’s interests, everything from wrestling belts to Pokémon themed signs. WHS student Jeremiah Moreno said supporting his athlete just felt right. “I love everybody that’s involved in this. I want them to be a part of the school.”

The stands were filled with hundreds of cheering fans while the marching band, color guard and cheerleaders kept the energy high. Football players also jumped in, helping teammates understand plays and running beside them during big moments. WHS Senior Blake Johnson reflected on why it mattered, “they do a lot for this school and I feel like they need that appreciation back.”

"Unified activities like the Turkey Bowl don’t just create meaningful experiences for students with special needs, they strengthen the entire school community," shared Executive Director of Integrated Services Heidi Weekly. "When students play side-by-side, they build empathy, leadership, and communication skills that carry into classrooms, teams, and future workplaces. Events like this also help students without special needs see one another beyond labels, forming real friendships and a deeper sense of belonging and pride in their school."

The action-packed game ended in a tie, but in the end, the score didn’t really matter. What did matter was the genuine joy felt by students in the stands and on the field. Barnhart sums it up best, “We’re one wolf pack.”