JOSH NORDELL / PROJECT UNIFY

Josh Nordell / Project Unify (Special Contributor). Inclusive. Visionary. Transformative.

For sixteen years, Josh Nordell has been a cornerstone of compassion and inclusion at Sisters

High School. Soon after arriving as a Special Education teacher, Josh embraced Project

Unify, a new initiative developed by Special Olympics to create a culture of understanding,

friendship, and belonging for students with developmental disabilities. Under his leadership,

Project Unify grew into a movement—expanding beyond the high school to include the

Middle School and Elementary School, as well as a Transitions Program supporting students

ages 14–21 as they enter adult life and community engagement.

Through Project Unify, Josh built a vibrant program blending academics, service, and

athletics. His students participate in Harmony Farms, Seeds to Table, Habitat for Humanity,

and fitness activities at Sisters Athletic Club, developing skills, independence, and

confidence. Equally important, Josh inspires general-education students to volunteer and

lead alongside their peers, creating true inclusion within the student body. Project Unify

teams now compete in basketball, golf, and the Polar Plunge, facing rival schools Josh

personally recruited to join the program—turning a local idea into a regional model of

connection and respect.

Through unwavering dedication, vision, and heart, Josh Nordell has helped redefine what

community means at Sisters High School. Project Unify stands as his legacy—a living

example of compassion in action and a reminder that inclusion strengthens everyone who

wears the Outlaw jersey.

OUR TEAM • OUR TOWN • OUR TRADITION

SISTERS SCHOOL DISTRICT

OUTLAW HALL OF FAME • 2025 INDUCTEE