By Skylah Clarke ’28
Since this article was written, Donella Delija ’26, Chalace Walker ’26, Bianca Pizarro ’29, Johnathan Escobar ’27, Leannah Rivera ’27, Brooklyn Fernandez ’26, and JoJo Acevedo ’26 have been named Raiders of the Week and Keira Boyles ’27, Ayden Moran ’27, Shirley Diglio-Guerrette ’27, Jayson Drayton ’26, Melanie Fearon ’27, Sasha Capelle ’29, Mac Gray ’27, Quincy Carter ’26, Roujda Mekael ’27, Ayden Rodriguez ’27, Maya Winkowski ’29, Colton Shields ’27, Santiago Gongora ’29, Souzveen Mekael ’26 have been named Jersey Mike’s Players of the Week.
As of Oct. 2, 2025 at Derby High School, there have been four students awarded with the titles of Raider of the Week and Player of the Week. These awards have been used to recognize students and athletes who go above and beyond for the school and for their sports. These titles mean a lot to the students, encouraging them to keep working hard and doing great things.
A lot of thought goes into picking these roles, and many teachers play a big role in deciding who gets this award. Each week, teachers can contribute by sending in names of students they think deserve these awards. Then on Friday, during the morning announcements, the lucky winner is announced.
There are many qualities that students need to display to earn RotW. Assistant Principal Ray Coplin explains, “The pillars of Raider of the Week are actually the letters of ‘Raider,’ so it stands for resilience, ambition, integrity, discipline, empathy and respect. And those were chosen as the qualities that we look for in a student. It does not mean that you are the best academic student, just characteristics that make a good person.”
Athletic Director Jen Moffat states, “Player of the Week is a program that Jersey Mike’s started to give back to student athletes. Also, to help athletic directors recognize student athletes for their actions on the court, on the field, or in the gym.” Both of these awards are given to students to recognize the amazing things they do and to motivate them to keep working hard.
Luca Ventimiglia ’27, the most recent Raider of the Week, has shown the qualities and put in the work to be awarded Raider of the Week. Ventimiglia states, “I was showing up to school and doing my homework on time. You have to make sure you’re focused and stay hard at work.”
Colton Shields ‘27, the most recent male winner of Jersey Mike’s Player of the Week, explains that this award is important to recognize athletes’ dedication and sportsmanship. Shields says, “This award means the coach recognizes my sportsmanship and effort, and I’m very thankful.”
These athletes and students have shown an immense amount of effort and commitment to their sport and in the classroom.
The Raider Press 