By Sofia Rudus ’26
Recently, the Unified Sports team was recognized as a National Banner school for their demonstration of the 10 standards of inclusion through the program. Derby High School teacher Carlin Ali and Derby High School Athletic Director Jenn Moffat who are the coach and athletic director of the Unified sports team helped develop this program for success.
A National Banner School is a school whose program is recognized as sustainable and a leading example for other programs. By having a coach, a group of students for each sport season, having advocacy events, and leadership opportunities, the team is able to demonstrate that there is a strong foundation to the program and “it is doing what it needs to do to succeed,” Ali says. Last year at the CIAC Youth Leadership Summit at Rocky Hill High School, Ali and Moffat found out about this outstanding opportunity, and began to refine parts of the Unified team to fit the criteria.
This recognition solidifies the dedication and commitment that students and staff put into this program. The team brings everyone together and fosters unity and connection. “We get so many [students] and it just shows how inclusive and overall how Derby is,” Moffat says. When speaking to a few students about Unified Sports, they only had positive comments to make about the team. Nedaat Masiat ‘26 and Souzveen Mekael ‘26, both commented how they enjoy connecting with others and making memories. Similarly, Jonathan Briscoe ‘27 enthusiastically comments “Now that we have the National Banner Status I feel that I achieved everything because we work hard and encourage everyone. We need to make sure no one is left out and it is like a dream come true for everyone.”
At a recent Board of Education meeting on Oct. 7, the team was recognized for this accomplishment and many students, some whom have graduated already, were excited to return and support by attending it. The team is also attending a Leadership Summit that will recognize the eight schools in Connecticut that also received this accomplishment. Recognition is good for four years and then must be applied for again to prove that the team is still sustainable. The team will also receive an official banner that will be hung up in the gym to display and “ keep as a part of Derby’s history,” Ali says. Now that the team has been awarded the National Banner Status, they will continue to be recognized and continue to build the team into the best it can be. As Ali says, “The ball is rolling; we are going to just keep it rolling.”
The Raider Press 