Hitchcock ISD Students Selected for Regional Youth Leadership Council

Hitchcock ISD proudly announces that Za'keteriece Watson-Perrodin and Melody Sowell, two exceptional students, have been chosen to serve on the Regional Youth Leadership Council (RYLC) for the East Region Unified Champion Schools. Hitchcock High School and Brazosport High School are the only two schools in the greater Houston area with students selected for this honor, a testament to the commitment these students have made to promoting inclusion on campus and in the community.

As part of this honor, Za'keteriece and Melody will attend the 2nd Annual RYLC Summit in Austin, TX on February 12, 2025. At the summit, they will join other student leaders across the region, collaborate, build new skills, and strengthen the Unified Movement.

Special thanks go to their advisors, Kendra Sowell and Lynelle Rutledge, who have been instrumental in bringing the Unified Movement to Hitchcock High School. After introducing the program last year, they have successfully led the school to become an official Unified Champion School this year.

Superintendent Travis W. Edwards praised the commitment of the students and advisors, saying, "Inclusion is at the heart of what we stand for as a family here at Hitchcock ISD. The work being done by Za'keteriece, Melody, and their advisors Kendra Sowell and Lynelle Rutledge is a true testament to the power of unified efforts. I am incredibly proud of our students and staff who are leading this important work, creating an environment where everyone feels seen, valued, and included."

Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® is an initiative for schools from pre-K through university level to promote meaningful social inclusion by integrating students with and without intellectual disabilities. This is achieved through three components: Special Olympics Unified Sports, inclusive youth leadership, and whole school engagement. The program, active in over 7,600 schools across 49 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, has been promoting inclusion in Texas for over 15 years.

Hitchcock ISD is proud to be part of the #InclusionRevolution, supporting Za'keteriece, Melody, and the entire Unified community.

For more information on the summit or to follow Za'keteriece and Melody’s journey, visit www.hitchcockisd.org or contact Kendra Sowell at ksowell@hitchcockisd.org.