Butte’s East Middle School is one of the best schools in the nation to attend if you have special needs.

At least that is what ESPN says.

Recently, the Bullpups were recognized as one of the top 40 inclusive schools in the nation during a telecast of SportsCenter.

One of the biggest reasons for that inclusiveness is the Unified Sports program at the school. Teachers and friends Kelci Thatcher and Kate (Vaughn) Dennehy are two of the incredible teachers behind the program.

Thatcher and Dennehy both teach special education at East. Thatcher is also the athletic director at the school. Both coach Unified Sports, which began a few years ago with basketball.

Listen in to this podcast to hear about the inception of the Unified sports program at East. Listen to how it has grown and will continue to grow.

Listen as Kelci and Kate describe how including special needs students enhances the school experience for all the students at East. Listen to how much fun they have teaching and coaching the special needs students

Today’s podcast is brought to you by Leskovar Honda, home of the 20-year, 200,000-mile warrantee. Kelci Thatcher, left, and Kate Dennehy are shown in the photo above.