Rival School Groups Escalate Feud in Milford
By: Jamie Carder | December 3, 2024
MILFORD, CT — A heated rivalry between East Shore and West Shore Middle Schools has taken a darker turn as small student groups linked to each school have begun engaging in increasingly aggressive confrontations. Known unofficially as the “Dolphins” and the “Wildcats,” the groups have gone beyond graffiti battles to include scuffles and even reports of makeshift weapons being used in their disputes.
Tensions Rise with Violence
Recent weeks have seen a string of troubling incidents tied to the rivalry. On November 30, Milford Police responded to a fight near the skate park where a West Shore student was reportedly stabbed in the arm with a sharpened toothbrush. The injury was described as non-life-threatening, but it has raised alarm among parents and school officials.
“I saw them arguing over whose graffiti should stay,” said a witness who wished to remain anonymous. “Then it got physical really fast. It’s scary because they’re so young.”
Other reports include instances of vandalism and theft. A local shop owner claimed students from both groups attempted to steal spray paint cans on December 1, leading to a heated altercation in the parking lot.
“These behaviors go far beyond childish pranks,” said Lieutenant Karen Reilly of the Milford Police Department. “We are working closely with school administrators and community leaders to address these issues before someone gets seriously hurt.”
Cultural Influences Questioned
Dee Aquilino, the health clerk at East Shore Middle School, voiced concerns about the broader cultural influences that may be fueling the rivalry. “These kids seem to be imitating what they see in modern culture,” Aquilino stated. “They’re using harmful language and mimicking the East Side-West Side rivalries portrayed in music and media. It’s disturbing how easily they’ve adopted these behaviors.”
School and Community Interventions
Both East Shore and West Shore Middle Schools have launched programs to address the violence and foster reconciliation. In addition to banning items like markers and sharp objects from campus, the schools are hosting joint workshops on conflict resolution and respect.
“We cannot allow a sense of pride in one’s school to devolve into violence,” said West Shore Principal Andrew Bennett. “Our priority is ensuring that every student feels safe.”
In addition, local artist Jake Morales has begun organizing a mural project where students from both schools will collaborate on artwork promoting unity. “They need to see that creativity can be used to build something meaningful, not destroy it,” Morales said.
Parents and Officials React
While many parents support the schools’ efforts, others remain deeply concerned. “It’s not just kids being kids anymore,” said Amanda Richards, whose son attends West Shore. “They’re hurting each other. What happens when it goes too far?”
Lieutenant Reilly echoed these fears. “We’ve seen how rivalries like this can escalate. Our job is to make sure it doesn’t.”
Despite the challenges, school officials and community leaders remain hopeful. “We’re addressing this head-on,” said East Shore Principal Maria Gomez. “Our students are capable of so much better, and we’re here to help them see that.”
With increased oversight and community involvement, Milford hopes to end the tension between the Dolphins and Wildcats — and restore a spirit of healthy competition between the schools.
