Ali Jenkins
On Saturday, January 26th, the Harlem Wizards basketball team arrived at Homer High School for a game against the Homer Trojan Elite. The Homer Elementary PTO organized the event, and several other school groups were involved, as well.
The guest team is a professional basketball organization from Harlem, NY, whose team members are Eric “Broadway” Jones, Rashaan “Rocket” Barner, Arnold “A-Train” Bernard, Lamarvon “Mr. 540” Jackson, David “DP” Paul, and James “Road Runner” Tyndal. The Wizards faced teachers, administrators, and staff from Homer Elementary, Intermediate, Junior High, and High Schools, including Mr. Falls, Mrs. Delucia, Mrs. Fox, Mr. Depuy, Mrs. Guy, Officer Howell, Mrs. Hickey, Mrs. Powers, Mr. Kirkwyland, Mrs. Falls, Mrs. Feldman, Mr. Patriarco, Mrs. Mack, Ms. Bogan, Ms. Combs, Mrs. Clark, Mr. Podsiedlik, Mrs. Matteson, Mrs. Fulton, and Mrs. Lawrence, and the game was refereed by Mr. Allen. The event was completely sold out, as the PTO was successful in selling nine-hundred tickets. In the end, the organization raised a total of $3,420. The night was full of jokes, contests, and music, but when it came down to basketball, the Wizards were victorious!
The event was organized and carried out by a variety of groups. The Homer Elementary PTO hosted the game. This organization focuses on providing mini grants for teachers and giving books to children, through the Reading is Fundamental (RIF) program. In addition, SADD ran concessions and Student Government organized the half-time entertainment. Finally, the Wizards sold souvenirs, t-shirts, and basketballs at the game.
Thank you to everyone who made the event such a success!