By Skylah Clarke ’28
The students and staff at Derby High School promoted kindness and inclusion by wearing orange for Unity Day on Oct. 15, 2025. With the explosion of orange, DHS highlighted that the Raiders stand for unity and against bullying.
Unity Day was created as a way to raise awareness of bullying while also normalizing kindness and inclusivity. It reinforces a safe environment for everyone in school. The color orange is used for Unity Day because it’s a bold color that symbolizes strength and standing up against bullying. This day can also be an educational opportunity for the teachers and staff to teach students about respect and the importance of using your voice
Mac Gray ‘27, a student who participated in Unity Day by wearing orange, stated, “I wear this color in solidarity with everyone who has been bullied or not included to show support and that everyone’s a part of a community here at Derby High School.” The students of DHS were excited to dress down and also show that every student is valued at the same time.
Unity is important to keep up with every day. Special education teacher Shelly Sheridan states, “It is very important for students to feel a part of the community and feel included all year round, not just on one day.” A couple ways we can keep everyone included are by attending unified sports events, making sure no one is sitting alone at lunch, and showing support to students who are struggling with their mental health and bullying. In this community, no one should feel alone.
By embracing unity, Derby High School will continue to build an inclusive environment for students and staff. Every Red Raider will feel supported and not only on Unity Day, but every day.
The Raider Press 