Dan Jennings has always been passionate about helping others. Inclusivity and making everyone feel equal has been something he’s strived for over many years. Now, he uses that passion to make a difference in the lives of many kids in the community.

In 2016, the Unified Sports program launched at Westbrook High School, when Dan, a paraprofessional, first became involved. Then, in 2021, Dan started the Unified program at Westbrook Middle School, with the support of Athletic Director Amy Gallagher. Dan worked with a student who was involved in Unified Sports in 2016 and was able to see the positive impact this program has on a school community.

“It was an inclusive team that took students with and without disabilities on a team where they were viewed as equals. Unified Sports built strong relationships, which carried over to the classroom and in the hallways,” says Dan. “It started to change the school climate to being more inclusive. This experience is what made me want to continue with Unified Sports. It was perfect when the opportunity to be the head coach of the new middle school team came my way.”

Over the years, Dan’s role has changed from supporting a few students at the high school level to starting the middle school program and leading it as the head coach. As he continues to climb the ladder with his program involvement, Dan hopes to make a difference to even the youngest ages.

“Now, I will be starting Unified Sports at the elementary level. I will be the head coach for Daisy Ingraham Elementary School at the start of the new year,” says Dan. “Unified Sports has created a positive school climate that is based on inclusion and acceptance. It provides an opportunity for each student to feel a sense of belonging.”

At the middle school level, Dan is assisted by Nicole Archambault and student support staffer Cathy Rutty. Next month, Dan will be running the elementary school team alongside Meredith Keller (assistant coach), Daisy Ingraham, Elementary School Principal Ruth Rose, and Caitlin Eichler (Athletic Director).

“The people involved will be similar at the elementary level, depending on student need,” Dan says. “We are lucky to have the support of our administration to be able to provide support and opportunities for all of our students. We are all very excited for this program to start next month.”

During the school year, Unified Sports teams participate in a variety of events to expand the students’ skill sets and interest. Dan finds it super rewarding to see kids credited for their efforts.

“We have hosted a few ESports events, such as Mario Kart tournaments using a Nintendo Switch,” says Dan. “Students are selected, based on their level of participation and leadership within our school, to attend the annual Unified Youth Leadership Summit.”

Russ Hovick, paraprofessional, has known Dan for five years, and he has seen his impact expand far beyond the students. He notes that Dan has brought the community together to show support for the athletes involved.

“Dan has positively impacted the Westbrook community in so many special ways with his involvement with Unified Sports. Unified Sports has brought an understanding and acceptance from the Westbrook community,” says Hovick. “Students who participate in Unified Sports in Westbrook are accepted both in school by their peers and by the community at large. The Unified Sports program is a very welcoming experience for both participants and for the entire school population.”

Hovick also adds that the Westbrook school district has continuously supported the goals and principles of Unified Sports, from scheduling games against other districts to encouraging the rest of the school population to get behind Unified Sports.

Part of what has helped Dan to find so much success with his Unified Sports programs is the level of support he receives from a variety of different people, both in the school system and the community at large. It is that support that makes his job even more rewarding day in and day out.

“I am very proud to say that I have not faced many challenges,” says Dan. “At Westbrook, we are very lucky to have the support from our Superintendent, Principals, Athletic Director, Dean of Students, and Director of Special Services. This level of support makes our programs run smoothly and successfully.”

With the new year coming closer than some may think, Dan is excited to see what the new year will bring, as well as a new team at the elementary school. He hopes that the new program will take off in the same way his other programs have in the past.

“I am looking forward to continuing to build our program by identifying youth leaders within our school community. Over the past few years, Westbrook Middle School has earned honors such as the Ann Malafronte Rookie School of the Year in Unified Sports (2022-2023), national recognition as a Unified Champion School (2023), and the ESPN Honor Roll School (2023),” says Dan. “I am honored to share that I was named the George Synnott Coach of the Year for Middle School Unified Sports (2023-2024). I can’t wait to see how we can establish this program at Daisy Ingraham Elementary School.”