March Madness Engulfs Jack Abrams School
Jason Suarez had an idea six years to organize a game between faculty and staff members. The fifth grade teacher at Jack Abrams School thought a local dose of March Madness would spur school spirit, serve as a fundraiser for worthy initiatives and provide a night of family fun for parents and students.
Jack Abrams Principal Mary Stokkers explained those early years featured games played in the Huntington Intermediate School gym. “It became so popular that it was moved to Huntington High School,” she said. “Our staff played against each other and it quickly became the highlight of the year.”
Woodhull Intermediate School recently joined the fun with faculty and staff there squaring off against colleagues from Jack Abrams School. This year’s game once again drew a packed house. Both schools sported cheerleading squads, student-fans with painted faces and lots of electricity. PTA and staff members circulated through the crowd selling raffles and helping at the gate and with food and refreshments.
“Each school raised $2,000 to spend for their schools in a variety of ways,” Mrs. Stokkers said. “Over the years we have improved our facilities [with the March Madness funds.] We have joined with other fundraisers to purchase fitness equipment, stage equipment, a new asphalt playground, which is being installed this summer and possibly purchasing a rock climbing wall in the gym this year.”
While the monies raised do, indeed, contribute to welcomed enhancements around the school, Mrs. Stokkers said “the most valuable outcome is that we have fun. Children love to see the staff play basketball and sweat it out.”
Teacher Joanne Holsclaw and teacher aide Melissa Conroy coached the Jack Abrams School cheering section. Art teacher Karen Morea helped students make their signs and she devoted her entire night to selling 15 cases of water donated by fourth grade teacher Dawn Ginty, who also played in the game.
“This is a true family night and inspires everyone to be spirited,” Mrs Stokkers said. “We would like to give a special thanks to Jason Suarez for being the creator and organizer of this exciting event.”
Jack Abrams School PTA President Rebecca Sanin, parents Nancy Forster and Marilyn Maggio, Finley Middle School Principal John Amato, who refereed the game and staff members Diane Klaverweiden, Peggy DeLaRosa and Ms. Morea, Suffolk Police Officer Officer Drew Fioriollo, district security guards and the school secretaries were praised by Mrs. Stokkers for helping make the night a big success. Parent Margo Rubert donated a set of tickets to watch the New York Islanders play. They were raffled off.
Mrs. Stokkers thanked staff members Carrie Postel, Cristina Anderson, Heather Barfuss, Tammy Castillo, Sarah Valente, Carolyn Naldi, Dawn Ginty, Eric Triolo, Manny Feliciano, Jason Miller, Davron Jenkins, Mike Macolino, Jim Lauter, Paul Esposito, Ron Wilson, Scott Leonardi and Scott Armyn for participating in the event. Mr. Armyn, who serves as the school dean, coached the Jack Abrams team in the basketball game against Woodhull. The principal also cited Mrs. Holsclaw and Ms. Conroy for their stellar work energizing the cheering section.
The good will and school spirit created by the March Madness game isn’t limited to one night. The buzz stays around for quite some time.
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