Faculty members and Brian Kuczinski competed in a basketball tournament; all proceeds were donated to the Leah Kuczinski Legacy Foundation.
By Kaitlyn Bell
The annual faculty basketball game was held on March 1, 2023, as a fundraiser for the Leah Kuczinski Legacy Foundation. Due to COVID, this was the first time since 2019 that the event ran. The fundraiser raised money by charging $5 for entry, selling raffles and conducting merchandise sales, and earned $971 for the foundation. The teachers involved volunteered their time and were split into two teams, one blue and one white, to play against each other.
Source by Christina Wilson
Merchandise is sold in honor of Leah to fundraise for the Leah Kuczinski Legacy Foundation. For more information about Leah and the foundation, please visit leahslegacyfund.org.
The blue team's lineup included Ms. Rizzuti, Mr. Claussell, Mr. Colamussi, Mr. Ferrara, Ms. Salcedo, Mr. Mike Harsch, Mr. Brian Kuzcinski, Mr. Dennara and Ms. DelSanto. The white team 's lineup included, Ms. Brocking, Mr. DiScala, Mr. Galvin, Ms. Leydon, Ms. Phillip, Ms. Mantovi, Mr. D'Ammassa and Mr. Cobb.
Source by Kaitlyn Bell
Although on separate teams, all players come together to support the Leah Kuczinski Legacy Foundation.
The game itself was a heated rivalry between teachers from many different departments. Along with faculty members, Brian Kuczinski, Leah's brother, participated in the event as well.
“It was a great experience to play with co-workers and meet people from other departments I don’t usually interact with. I’m always happy to participate in fundraising for Leah and for past students," Ms. Leydon said.
Source by Kaitlyn Bell
Players on the white team are greeted into the gymnasium by the varsity cheerleaders, creating anticipation for an exciting game.
"It was an honor to be a part of such a great cause to support the Leah Kuczinski Legacy Foundation. I don’t know who had more fun, the teachers or the students who came to support us,” Mr. DiScala said.
“I think it was a great opportunity to socialize with other faculty members and to get to know the other colleagues in the school. It’s a great way to promote school unity and get students to come out and to turn the tables where the students support the teachers instead of the other way around,” Ms. Rizzuti said.
Source by Kaitlyn Bell
“It was exciting to watch some of my teachers play against each other in my favorite sport. It was very cool to watch the game with my friends,” seventh grader Brayden Bell said.
“The friendly competition between faculty members was an enjoyable experience. It was very nice to see everyone come together for a great cause," junior Olivia Loubriel said.
"I am so happy that the faculty basketball was such a success. I am very thankful for my colleagues who participated and those who helped out. I am so grateful that the kids came to support Leah and her family,” Ms. Salcedo said.
Correction: This article was updated on Friday, March 10 with the specific amount the fundraiser earned for the Leah Kuczinski Legacy Foundation.