The Derby-Shelton Rotary Club has had a long tradition in hosting an annual Thanksgiving luncheon centered around the annual football game between Derby and Shelton High Schools from the early 20th century to the last game played in 2019. Covid and declining enrollment at Derby brought the game and the tradition to an end (Read more about the history here.) but Club President Lucy Andrade re-imagined the event to honor the senior football players and cheerleaders from both schools at a luncheon held on March 20 at the incredible Payden Field House in Derby. J. R. Payden was a 1915 Derby High graduate who also happened to play in the very first Thanksgiving game in 1914. In honor of her father, Joan Payden donated most of the funds to build the spectacular new facility with surrounding baseball and football/track facilities which opened in 2019. There was a great Derby-Shelton connection as J. R. Payden’s wife and Joan’s mother was a graduate of Shelton High School.
Lucy decided to bring the luncheon back, but since the game is no longer played, the event was held on March 20. As always, the speakers included coaches, players, and alums from both schools, and we will have a full video soon.
Here are a few more pictures from the event, but you can see many more on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1921840808227222
