Editor’s Note: The following article is reprinted with permission from Menomonie High School Mustang Messenger.
By Aria Lee, Mustang Messenger Contributor, October 19, 2026
An athlete isn’t just someone who excels at sports, it’s anyone who stays active, embraces physical movement, and brings a positive spirit to their community.
In Menomonie High School’s Unified Peer Partner physical education class, the students are the athletes. While everyone has difficult days, the peer partners in this class consistently step out of their comfort zones to uplift and support their teammates.
Brock K., one of the athletes in the Unified Peer Partner class said, “this class is my favorite class. I am able to play games with my friends.”
Designed to include students with disabilities, the course ensures that while some participants may require extra assistance, every single student is given the opportunity to succeed. These peer partners usually are juniors and seniors.
A senior, Tiana M., said, “I have been in peer partners for the past two years. I feel that considering some of the kids’ disabilities, in a lot of cases they need some extra assistance and are unable to keep up with the content structure and it does take time to process.”
While the peer partners earn a standard physical education credit, the true value of the semester lies in the empathy, leadership, and support shared among classmates.
Collaboration is at the heart of the daily routine. Every Wednesday, for instance, when the athletes head to the weight room, peer partners act as spotters. Working together toward fitness goals fosters a unique, powerful bond, and one that creates deep connections between students that goes beyond a traditional classroom dynamic.
MHS physical education teacher, Mr. Stokke, said, “Sweating is awesome; sweating shows you’re working hard.”
That high energy carries through the rest of the week. On Mondays, the school’s leadership class joins in for group games, with “Infinity Tag” standing out as a crowd favorite. In Infinity Tag, everyone is “IT” and can tag anyone nearby to put them down. Once the person who tagged you gets tagged out, you are back in the action giving every student a chance to be the main character.
Fridays bring a different kind of camaraderie with Just Dance—easily one of the most anticipated activities of the week. The lively, judgment-free environment encourages everyone to let loose, proving that being silly is often the best way to show your authentic self.
“It’s fun being able to hang out with students with disabilities,” said Aiden K. “It really isn’t that different. They just need a listening ear and a little extra attention, but breaking down directions is no problem at all.”
The spirit of inclusion reflected in the class resonates across the broader student body. In a recent survey, 41.7% of Menomonie High School students agreed that students should learn alongside one another regardless of disability status, highlighting a growing commitment to equality and teamwork throughout the school.
Benjamin S., a freshman, shared his perspective and said, “One hundred percent, yes. If a student with a disability is capable of learning at the same level, they should be in the same classroom setting if they feel comfortable. If they are confident and prepared, that’s all that matters.”
Through shared workouts, dancing, and daily encouragement, the Unified Peer Partner class proves that inclusion isn’t just an educational goal, it’s a culture that transforms the entire school community.
Aria Lee, a junior attending Menomonie High School, crafts articles for her Mustang Messenger class. She rigorously balances her coursework to excel academically. An avid reader, she is passionate about inspiring her peers to discover new ideas. She may be contacted via Mustang Messenger advisor at [email protected]
