Teachers play basketball to fundraise for the holidays

Adrian+Gomez+and+Brian+Butson+playing+in+the+Give+Back+Game

Ethan Barnes

Adrian Gomez and Brian Butson playing in the Give Back Game

In the season of giving, Student Government (StuGo) and deejays from Live 101.5 FM teamed up for the second annual “Give Back Game” that took place on December 8.

The basketball game selects a team of deejays that play against a team of Perry staff members. Live 101.5 created the fundraiser for local high schools, in which 100 percent of the proceeds go directly towards helping the school and its students.

Last winter was the first time PHS participated in the event, raising over $370 from students who came to watch the teachers beat the deejays in a close game. A substantial about of money was raised in this years game, though it was unfortunately less than the previous year.

StuGo adviser Brandon Keeling is pleased the game has become an annual event and was hoping for a larger outcome in this year’s ticket sales.

“We’re really hoping to have a much larger turnout for this game,” he said. “101.5 is coming out again; they’ll be having deejays playing music during the game and stuff too which is always fun.”

The deejays from 101.5 came to PHS to compete in the basketball game and play music, which made for an exciting and enjoyable night for students and staff. Several staff members returned to compete in this year’s game, though they sadly lost to the 101.5 deejays with the final score of 71-53.

Several teachers participated, including Spanish teacher Adrian Gomez, who was one of the star players in last year’s game. This year, he made at least several 3-point shots that helped the Perry team score a substantial amount of points. Gomez also expected to raise more money than last years game and believed more students would attend.

“This year will be more successful because it will be the second annual event which has gained a great reputation,” Gomez stated, “It’s fun and the onsite deejay will be playing great music while the competition is going.”

Principal Dan Serrano was pleased to have the event returning to Perry. “It’s for a good cause, so hopefully we do make a lot of money.” He also believes the game is not only enjoyable for the students, but for the staff as well. “I think it’s a good way for faculty to get out there and have some fun,” he adds.

Gomez agrees and enjoyed playing the game with his colleagues. “I look forward to playing in the game because its a great way to get closer as a staff; competing together for one cause.” he said.

This years “Give Back Game” was enjoyable for staff and had a roaring student section which generated over $200 in fundraising for the school’s use.