Hoops for Haiti

On Jan. 31, the Jamesville-DeWitt community made a difference.

More than ten clubs, several sports teams, and two parent groups helped to make an event called "Hoops for Haiti" a reality. This event gave students and teachers alike to have a good time and donate money to those suffering from the effects of the massive earthquakes in Haiti.

At first, "Hoops for Haiti" was just an idea. J-DHS social studies teacher Donna Oppedisano, and seniors Nick Griffith and Liz Hauser were the driving force behind the fundraiser. "I consider myself the Delegator of Responsibilities of "˜Hoops for Haiti'," Mrs. Oppedisano says. "I had to put the idea out there, but the people that have been helping out are outstanding."

The event started out with two members of the third nationally ranked Syracuse Men's Basketball Team, Brandon Triche and Andy Rautins (Both J-DHS alumnus), and coach Jim Boeheim praising the events great cause. Then, the true basketball events began. Senior Lamar Kearse won the slam-dunk contest, and the entire audience was wowed by his acrobatics. The teacher-student three-point shootout was another big hit. Teachers and coaches such as English teacher Courtney Romeiser and boys' Varsity Basketball Coach Bob McKenney teamed up with students like Alyssa Gratien and Tim Snyder.

Money was raised not only by ticket sales, but by raffles, contests, and the generosity of students and teachers alike. Nobody made the half court shout (officially), but the money that was donated will have a resonating effect in Haiti. Prizes like autographed t-shirts, jerseys, and J-D apparel were raffled off.

13 total clubs were involved including SADD club, Hole in the Wall club, Model United Nations, and Key Club, just to name a few. Sports teams involved included the Boys' and Girls' Varsity Basketball teams, the Cheerleading team, and the Varsity Girls' Gymnastics team.

Students saw the event as a great idea, and a way to make fundraising fun. "It's a really fun way to raise money for Haiti," said junior Ally Loewy. Junior Sarah Wood added, "It's good to get the whole school involved in something like this." Dave DiStefano, a junior as well, was "pumped to donate time and money to a good cause."

Overall, the fundraiser was considered a success. (Ill get the figures by Thursday) "When people come together as a community for a good cause," says Mrs. Oppedisano, "It makes us who we are."