Lawton C. Johnson Middle School Hosts "Hoops for Haiti"

When the dismissal bell rang at the Lawton C. Johnson Summit Middle School Tuesday, two-thirds of the students stayed behind. Not for detention, but for a good cause.

The "Hoops for Haiti" student vs. faculty basketball game held at the school drew a crowd of nearly 600 students, each paying $5 to watch peers and teachers face off and raise money for Haiti disaster relief. In addition to fundraising, the event aimed to encourage school spirit among students and faculty.

"It's a win-win situation," said vice principal Jeff Heaney, who coordinated the event. "We're raising money for a good cause while creating a nice, welcoming atmosphere for the students. It's a way to get the community involved with little overhead costs."

Heaney, who also played on the faculty team, pre-sold 500 tickets, helping him raise half of the $5,000 target goal before the start of the game. In addition to charging admission, the drama department hosted a concession stand to help raise money.

The game was Emceed by social studies teacher Kevin Kostibos and began with Laurie Hogan, another social studies teacher, singing the national anthem to a packed gymnasium. The bleachers were filled to capacity and extra chairs had to be brought in to fit the two-thirds of the student body that showed up to support the cause.

"When I walked into the gym and saw the line of people waiting to get inside, I couldn't believe my eyes," said school president and student team coach Erika Hairston. "I was so proud we got such a great turnout for a good cause."

Although the game was for charity, both teams played to win.

"We've got a talented group of teachers on our team," said Heaney prior to the game. "I think it will be exciting, but the point is for everybody to have fun."

Despite the age and height differences, the teams were evenly matched, keeping within 10 points of the other for the majority of the game. Students cheered for both sides and faculty cheerleaders danced to the music with tinsel pom-poms.

"Putting this event together was a collaborative effort," Heaney said. "Once I reached out to the staff, I got an overwhelming response from them volunteering to help. One teacher said he would make the t-shirts, another said she would help with the concession stand, another with ticket sales. I really couldn't have done it without everybody's help."

In addition to faculty participation, students helped promote the event and provide entertainment. The PEP band played standards such as "Louie, Louie" in between plays and the LCJSMS step team performed at half time.

"It's great to be with the kids in a non-classroom setting," said Kevin Kostibos, who played on the faculty team in addition to serving as Emcee. "It's a great cause and pretty much the entire school showed up for a charity event. It's just great."

In the fourth quarter, the students pulled ahead and won the game, 71-63, and were instantly surrounded by mobs of friends and well wishers.

"I think our team did a great job," Hairston said. "We definitely gave the teachers a run for their money."

Despite the loss, the faculty conceded gracefully.

"The win was well-deserved," Kostibos said. "They played well and it'll be hard in class tomorrow with the kids giving us jabs. But when the smoke clears after the game, it's all about the charity."