Maine’s high school football community is rallying around a new statewide Autism Awareness initiative that will be on display this weekend as more than 60 teams sport special awareness t‑shirts during games on September 11 and 12.
The movement traces its roots to 2017, when Cony High School coach B.L. Lippert launched the effort after his son, Lincoln Lippert, received an autism diagnosis at age two. What began as a modest exhibition game against Lawrence has grown into a statewide campaign that now involves dozens of programs.
Cony High School’s Autism Awareness Night
Each season the first home game of the Cony Blue Devils is set aside as Autism Awareness Night, providing a focal point for the broader effort and drawing families, players and fans into a shared experience of support.
This year, over 60 teams across Maine will wear the custom shirts during the September 11‑12 slate of games, turning the field into a sea of blue and white ribbons that symbolize solidarity with autistic children and their families.
B.L. Lippert has reported selling roughly 200 shirts, with proceeds earmarked for local health programs that serve children with developmental needs. Andrew Degifico, whose son Dom is autistic, has helped coordinate the fundraising push, underscoring the personal connections that drive the initiative.
Beyond the shirts, the campaign seeks to foster community dialogue about autism, break down misconceptions and ensure that vulnerable groups receive the resources they deserve. By weaving awareness into a beloved high school tradition, organizers hope to sustain momentum year after year.