VIDEO: Clarence Unified Basketball Cheered at Pep Rally

In an afternoon filled with athletics, music and school spirit, students of all abilities could be part of the fun as Clarence’s unified basketball team played Starpoint in front of a packed pep rally crowd at Clarence High School’s gymnasium. 

The April 29 game was the second time the unified team has played a game for a student audience, with students cheering as Clarence won 52-44. The game experience included a dance break at halftime for both teams to participate in, and members of the High School’s new unified music class performed prior to the game. 

Unified sports, classes and activities bring together students with and without intellectual disabilities, and the pep rally was linked to an increase in interest in unified classes and athletics at the High School. 

“It’s a big community thing for us,” said coach Beth Brawn. “This got the students more excited about being involved.”

This year’s unified basketball team has approximately 60 athletes and partner students, an increase from 40 the previous year. The District’s unified bowling team has also seen growth this past year.

Unified athletic teams are just one of many ways that students of different abilities can connect through the day. Clarence High School and Middle School expanded their unified class offerings this school year to include art and music classes, and each offer a Unified Club for students. 

Clarence students, staff and community members also raised more than $18,000 for Special Olympics New York during the 2025 Buffalo Cool School Polar Plunge, the third highest among school groups at the event.