Last week, Academy faculty and students competed against each other in a game of basketball.
The game happened on January 14 at 5:30 p.m. in the school gymnasium. There was food, drinks, and the Gold Star club was handing out free t-shirts, teddy bears, and informational pamphlets to help spread awareness about what the club is about.
The Gold Star Club is an organization that supports families who have lost loved ones in the military service (Gold Star families) and helps provide support, recognition, and advocacy for these families.
The student players consisted of Emma Hodgen (‘26), Maddie Growcock (‘26), Joliegh Derbes (‘26), Kara McPhereson (‘26), and Sara Perez (‘27). The faculty team consisted of Eric Price, Emily Price, Melissa Cox, Robert Quinn, Rene Padilla, Robert Bishop, Olivia Rivas, Ben Miller, and Isaac Mapson.
The game started out slowly, but quickly picked up and became competitive. The ending became a tie breaker, so there was a free throw to determine who the winner was going to be. Yas Luzod (‘26) said, “I’m so excited for the game and the fact that I get to be a moderator.”
The game ended with a score of 36-34 and a win for the students!
Gabby Teixira (’26) said, “The old coach, who stepped down, called the gym ‘the jungle,’ so that kind of gave us the theme to the game. I thought it would be nice for us to start a new tradition for the Academy.”
“I struggled with getting people to participate, but once they realized that it was a fun thing, everyone was more willing to join. Also trying to find decorations to decorate according to the theme and making the t-shirts was a little hard, but we got it done,” Teixiera said.
Overall, the faculty versus students basketball game showed how Academy traditions can bring the community together for a meaningful cause. Events like this not only build school spirit but also allow different AHN organizations, such as the Gold Star Club, to raise awareness and support others. By combining competition, tradition, and service, the Academy continues to create a community where students and faculty come together for something bigger than the game.
