The Unified Pair of the Month highlights students from our Special Olympics Kansas Unified Champion Schools who embody the spirit of inclusion in their school community. This month, we are excited to introduce Conner Schonlaw and Burke Harsin from Washburn Rural High School!
Conner, a dedicated Unified Athlete, enjoys going for walks, taking his dog on walks, watching sports, playing Madden on PlayStation, swimming, and spending time with his family and friends. He also loves watching the Today Show and keeping up with the weather forecast. For Conner, inclusion means “being able to have fun with my friends with and without disabilities.” Being included makes him feel good, and Unified Sports has helped him feel more connected to his school community. He loves attending practices and being part of a team. One of his favorite memories is placing 3rd in Regional Bowling and 9th at State. He also cherishes the Unified basketball game at Washburn Rural, where he gets to showcase his skills in front of his peers.
Burke, Conner’s Unified Partner, enjoys playing baseball and hanging out with his friends. He believes that inclusion means “bringing people who may need a friend along with him throughout his day-to-day experiences.” Unified Sports has brought Burke friendships, joy, and many incredible experiences throughout the year. He has participated in Unified bowling, basketball, bocce ball, and soccer. One of his most memorable moments was at State Bowling, where he dressed up in a hot dog costume to hype up the team and the crowd. The energy and excitement soared, especially after a teammate bowled a strike, making for an unforgettable experience.
Conner and Burke have been strong advocates for inclusion at Washburn Rural High School, actively participating in Unified Sports and Circle of Friends. Their bond extends beyond their shared love of sports—it is built on mutual respect, support, and a commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment. Their Unified Advisor, Brooklyn Sipp shared:
“Conner and Burke have both been highly active in Unified Sports and Circle of Friends at Washburn Rural High School. I nominated this Unified Pair because I truly believe that they perfectly exemplify the vision of inclusivity and fostering genuine friendships. Their bond goes beyond simply sharing common interests—it’s rooted in a deep respect for each other’s individuality and a shared commitment to making others feel valued. Through their active involvement in various activities, they don’t just participate; they lead by example. Their connection is a perfect example of how authentic, positive relationships can inspire and create lasting change. They show us that when we support one another and uplift those around us, we don’t just build deeper personal connections, we also foster a more welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.”
Together, Conner and Burke exemplify the true meaning of Unified Sports, showing that inclusion is about friendship, teamwork, and creating a space where everyone feels valued. Their enthusiasm and leadership continue to inspire their peers and the entire school community.
Congratulations to Conner Schonlaw and Burke Harsin for being selected as the Unified Pair of the Month for February!
