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03/11/2022 11:00 PMThe Baldwin Middle School Gym was buzzing with excitement for the Guilford Fund for Education’s (GFFE) Bee Ball Tournament, an annual community fundraiser that recently returned for the first time since 2020.
The 3x3 basketball tournament has been an annual event since 2015 and serves as a way to not only raise money and awareness of the GFFE, but also bring Guilford students together for a fun competition. From novices to travel players, there were 51 teams featuring students from grades 3 to 7 who participated in this one-day event.
“Everyone was excited to be together again. From board members to volunteers to our student players, we almost forgot we were raising money,” said GFFE Board Co-chair Nicole Schlagheck. “GFFE funded various initiatives to support educators during COVID, and now we get to go back to our roots, supporting Guilford students through the funding of new and creative concepts in education.”
The educator awards were new to the event this year. The boys’ and girls’ teams that won their tournaments at each grade level dedicated their wins to an educator from their school. Known for recognizing teachers semi-annually through the GFFE Star Awards, the organization wanted to find a way to get students more involved.
“The kids were so excited to dedicate their win,” said GFFE Board Co-chair Veena Kapadia. “Guilford is a community known for supporting each other and giving back, so we aren’t surprised the kids jumped on this opportunity to show their appreciation.”
The boys’ 3rd-grade tournament was won by the team of Max Borelli, who attends Hamden Hall, along with Finn Jacobson, Lucas Ports, and Dane Smith, who all attend Jones Elementary School. The team donated its victory to Elizabeth Hill of Jones Elementary School.
The girls’ 3rd-grade tournament was won by Emma Boyd, Isla Dubois, Alessandra Marciniak, and Mia Nunziato, who all attend Cox Elementary School. They dedicated their win to Jennifer Arabolos.
The boys’ 4th-grade tournament was won by Landon Diglio, who attends Leete Elementary School; Brayden Dill, who attends Lakes Elementary School; and Myles Loban, who attends Jones Elementary School. The team dedicated its victory to Henry Prescott of Lakes Elementary School.
The girls’ 4th-grade winning team of Reagan Klein (Cox), Olivia Mahon (Cox), and Leah Michalowski (Jones) dedicated its win to Nadeen Habbas of Cox Elementary School.
The winning boys’ 5th-grade team of Jack Coyne, Corbin Kikosicki, and Ryan Lynch from Baldwin Middle School (BMS) dedicated its win to Burt Vitale.
The 5th-grade girls’ tournament was won by the team of Gianna Canestri, Sinead Davenport, Delaney Keefe, and Soraya Zide from BMS. They dedicated their win to Doug Hammel, who is the principal of the school.
The winning girls’ 6th-grade team of Maya Daniels, Petal Gallagher, and Lyla Sellinger from BMS dedicated their win to Phillip Ross, the school’s assistant principal.
The winning 6th-grade team for the boys’ tournament of Noah Loban, Nolan McGowan, Ethan Russo, and Owen Steffen of BMS dedicated its win to Steve Zajac.
The boys’ 7th-grade tournament was won by the team of Lucas Kharabadze, Pierson Schlagheck, and Mason Spagone from Adams Middle School. The team dedicated its victory to Christi Higgins.
The GFFE Bee Ball Tournament raised more than $3,000 thanks to registrations, concessions, and the event sponsors, Palumbo’s Automotive and Teape Training International. Jeff Hahn graciously donated pizza prizes and trophies and also organized the tournament and its referees. The funds raised will be used for approved grants, as well as invested for future students.
The next GFFE activity will be the Star Awards that will honor Guilford educators with special deliveries during Teacher Appreciation Week in May. Stars may be purchased online. GFFE is also actively searching for volunteers to join the organization to help review grant proposals, offer legal experience, or provide technological support. To make a donation or volunteer, visit GFFE.org.