At 6:00 pm on November 20th in the Commitment Gym, Cinnaminson High School DECA held its annual Students vs. Staff basketball game for charity. Staff members and students alike prepared on the sidelines as supporters poured in, concessions in hand as they took their seats on the bleachers.
This year’s $900 worth of proceeds raised from the game were donated to NJ Literacy, an organization of volunteer tutors dedicated to ensuring that all adults have the opportunity to learn how to read, write, and communicate as effectively as possible. Last year alone NJ Literacy volunteers dedicated 181,588 hours to over 5,000 students.
“It’s a really good organization and we’re happy to do our part,” junior Brady Honeyford, DECA vice president of hospitality said.
When asked about game strategy, junior JP McDevitt replied,
“I think we just use our speed, if we move the ball a lot I think they’re going to lose all their energy and not be able to keep up with us,” junior JP McDevitt said.
Going into the game, Brett Jenkins, a Cinnaminson High School math teacher and girls’ basketball coach, expressed confidence in the capability of the staff team and his skills.
“I don’t need to prepare,” Jenkins said. “Since I’m better, just dominate them.”
Student players held similar faith in their ability to win.
“Our speed and our youth, it’s going to help us out,” junior Hasan Gungor said.
Staff held the lead going into halftime with a score of 36 to 22 thanks to significant plays by Brett Jenkins, Keith Kesten, and Jebediah Howley, who was later named the staff MVP of the game. Notable players on the student team included senior Deandre Waters and senior Shafiq Herrington, named MVP of the student team.
Students slimmed the difference throughout the third and fourth quarters, but staff maintained their lead and won 59 to 48.
Despite the friendly competition, those involved all shared a common sentiment of fulfillment in their cause.
“I really think it’s fun to see everyone take time out of their own personal lives to come together for a great cause and to share some school spirit,” CHS substitute teacher and the game’s emcee Bubba Gaffney shared.
