On November 23rd Plymouth 400 Inc. held its 5th annual Illuminate Thanksgiving program. This year's theme was inclusion.

"This inspirational event celebrates youth, inclusivity and the act of giving thanks by giving back to your community and to the world around you," according to a press release from organizers.

The event includes a presentation of "Who Illuminates Your Life" essay contest winners and the "One Small Candle" award ceremony. This award is presented to an individual or group who touches the lives of many and this year the award went to Special Olympics Massachusetts and the Unified Sports teams of Plymouth North and South High Schools.

Plymouth North and South High Schools have been involved in Unified sports for four years and are both Unified Champion Schools. Kathy Lutz, Special Olympics Massachusetts Unified Sports Manager, accepted the award along with students from both high schools.

Representing Plymouth North were Nick Muscato and Amanda Donohoe, representing Plymouth South was Logan and Gavin Maravelias and Ava Rose. Ann Moytica, a former physical education teacher for Plymouth Public Schools accompanied the students.

The award is based on a quote from Governor William Bradford: ''As one small candle may light a thousand, so the light here kindled hath shone unto many..."

Congratulations to these students and schools, and thank you Plymouth 400 for recognizing the impact of Special Olympics Massachusetts in schools!