Old Rochester Regional High School’s Unified athletes celebrate the unveiling of the school’s National Unified Champion School banner from Special Olympics Massachusetts. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
MATTAPOISETT — Superintendent Michael S. Nelson, Principal Michael Devoll and Athletic Director Chris Carrig are pleased to share that Old Rochester Regional High School celebrated a significant milestone in its Unified Sports programming this week with a banner unveiling and the annual Tri-Town Police game.
On Tuesday, Nov. 18, the school community gathered for a Unified Pep Rally where Denise Larrabee, Manager of Inclusive Schools for Special Olympics Massachusetts, formally presented ORRHS with its National Banner. The banner recognizes ORRHS as a National Unified Champion School for meeting Special Olympics’ highest standards for inclusive sports, leadership, and whole-school engagement.
“ORR is a true leader in the Unified Champion School community, fostering a welcoming and inclusive culture not only through Unified sports, but throughout their clubs, classrooms, and everyday interactions — Bulldog to Bulldog,” Larrabee said. “Being named a National Banner School is an extraordinary and well-deserved honor that reflects the dedication of the students, staff, and the entire school community.”
The rally included remarks from Special Education Teacher and Unified Coach Emma Fenton, who highlighted how the values of Unified Sports are a part of everyday life at ORRHS.
“Celebrating our National Banner School recognition with a full-school pep rally was the perfect way to honor this achievement,” said Fenton. “None of this would be possible without the incredible students and staff who take part in our Unified programs and help create such a truly inclusive, welcoming school community. One of the highlights of the afternoon was Traeh Carrington’s speech. His confidence, presence, and pride in representing our Unified community were truly inspiring and set the tone for the entire event.”
The rally concluded with transition student Aveil Ward leading the entire gym in a loud “WE ARE … OR!” chant.
Later that afternoon, ORRHS hosted the annual Unified Basketball game against officers from the Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester Police Departments. This community tradition once again drew a packed crowd and raised more than $4,000 to support ORRHS’ Unified Sports programs.
The Tri-Town officers trailed at halftime and called upon Superintendent Nelson and Principal Devoll to lend a hand to the police squad. Despite their efforts, ORRHS’ Unified athletes prevailed once again, securing the win and unveiling the newly awarded National Banner.
“Our fourth annual Police vs. Unified Game was another tremendous success, supported by an ORR community that came out in full force,” Fenton said. “Many of the students who packed the pep rally earlier in the day showed up again that night with posters and cheers in hand. This tradition continues to build positive, comfortable relationships between our students and officers from multiple departments, giving our kids trusted adults they know they can turn to when they need support. We are truly grateful for the generosity of each department, and for their willingness to show up, stretch, and hit the court with us.”
Superintendent Nelson said the Special Olympics banner reflects who Old Rochester Regional is as a school community.
“Inclusion, respect and partnership define our school communities in Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester,” Superintendent Nelson said. “Our Unified athletes, their peer partners and coaches, and our staff show us every day what it means to build a school community where every student is valued. I am so proud of them, and it’s an honor to celebrate this achievement with them.”
Principal Devoll said ORRHS students have fully embraced Unified programming.
“Our students are the reason ORRHS has become a leader in inclusive education,” he said. “The energy at the pep rally and the excitement around the basketball game showed just how committed our entire community is to this work. This National Banner is just another example of that commitment.”
Athletic Director Carrig, who serves as the school’s Special Olympics liaison, said ORRHS’ Unified programming is strong because of the school’s partnerships with local police and Special Olympics Massachusetts.
“Our Unified Sports program continues to grow because so many people invest in it — from coaches and students to our police partners and families,” he said. “The Tri-Town Police game is one of the best examples of how athletes can bring a community together. We are grateful for their support and thrilled to celebrate this recognition with everyone who helped make it possible.”
The police departments enjoy the game as much as the students.
“Our Officers look forward to sharing the court with these incredible student athletes,” said Marion Police Chief Richard B. Nighelli. “The energy in that gymnasium is a testament to the positive culture that the school district continues to build and we are honored to stand with them in fostering both inclusion and community.”
“Team RPD had an absolutely incredible time at last night’s Unified Basketball Game,” said Rochester Police Chief Michael A. Assad Jr. “The energy, the smiles, and the pure teamwork on that court remind us why community engagement matters so much. These athletes inspire us with their heart and determination, and we’re honored every time we get to cheer them on. We’re already looking forward to the next one.”
“Unified Sports brings out the best in everyone,” said Mattapoisett Police Chief Jason A. King. “We have a very strong Tri-Town partnership, and it’s a privilege to stand with ORRHS and take part in this tradition that our department values deeply.”
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ORRHS Unified Basketball athletes unveil the National Unified Champion School banner after defeating Tri-Town Police on Tuesday. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
From left, ORRHS Athlete Adam Murphy, Chief Nighelli, Chief King, Chief Assad, and Superintendent Nelson. (Photo Courtesy Detective Scott Smith/Marion Police Department)
The Tri-Town Police team lines up before the annual game against the ORRHS Unified Basketball team. (Photo Courtesy Detective Scott Smith/Marion Police Department)
Members of the Rochester Police Department pose for a photo before the Tri-Town Police vs. ORRHS Unified Basketball team game. (Photo Courtesy Rochester Police Department)
Denise Larrabee, Manager of Inclusive Schools for Special Olympics Massachusetts, formally presented ORRHS with its National Banner. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
The ORRHS Unified Basketball team took on Tri-Town Police (Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester) during the annual game on Tuesday. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
ORRHS Unified athletes enter the gym for a Unified Pep Rally, where the school received a National Unified Champion School banner from Special Olympics Massachusetts. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
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