NVD and NVOT are known as “sister schools,” but the relationship between them is anything but familial. NVD and NVOT are both part of the Northern Valley Regional High School districts and the towns neighbor each other. All students and faculty are aware of the long history of intense and fierce rivalry between the two schools. This rivalry is depicted through sports, academics, and the overall social atmospheres of the two schools. The competition between them has motivated each school to keep striving for excellence and to be the best schools they can be.
Although the idea of a “rivalry” usually evokes feelings of conflict and competition, students of NVD feel like an intense rivalry is a positive thing for all students and athletes.
Sophomore Zola Ray explains the impact of this rivalry on academics, and how this rivalry is a positive influence on students.
“I feel that there’s an academic rivalry between NVD/NVOT. It creates a very competitive environment at NVD. The students need this because it creates a fun environment and makes the students feel a sense of pride and excitement. It also creates a space where students want to be better academically,” Ray said.
Ray goes on to explain how the rivalry personally motivates her as a student.
“I feel more motivated academically to be better for the school and for myself but not so much that I put pressure on myself. I also feel that other students are provided that extra push and want to be better for the school,” Ray said.
Sophomore Conner Mastroeli explains the impact this rivalry has on student-athletes, and the personal influence it had on his athletic performance for the school.
“I personally feel the rivalry impacts my performance positively. I feel more pressure, but also more motivated to do my best against my rival. I think the rivalry has a positive impact on student-athletes because they are fighting for something bigger than a win in the meet/game against their rival team,” Mastroeli said.
Mastroeli goes on to explain how the rivalry affects the environment of games/meets against NVOT, and what this means for student athletes.
“I feel there is an intense sports rivalry between NVOT and NVD because of the tension between the two schools whenever we go head to head. The atmosphere at meets/games specifically against NVOT is more personal and emotional than other games. There is more at stake than a regular game/meet when we verse our school rival,” Mastroeli said.
Sophomore Charlotte Rubin expresses how the rivalry between the schools creates a more engaging environment for everyone, not just students and athletes.
“I think it has a positive impact because a good rivalry is always fun and makes everyone, players, and spectators more invested in the game and motivated for their team to win. I think that the rivalry amplifies school spirit and creates excitement around the specific games against OT. People are more into the game and really care about NVD. They cheer more and bring more enthusiasm to the student section,” Rubin said.
Rubin continues to express how this rivalry impacts her performance as a student-athlete.
“I think the rivalry makes me want to beat OT in sports matches because it is always fun to beat a rival team. I think it makes me feel more motivated to do good and try my 100% best,” Rubin said.
