It was nothing short of exciting at the Annual Eight Grade players vs. teachers basketball game at GMS on March 6. Typically played during a school day, this year, the game was moved to the evening and incorporated a fundraiser for two local organizations.

Music from the 80’s filled the gym and the stands were packed full of parents and friends cheering on their favorite players. Each quarter alternated between the boys and the girls.

As the first quarter started, it was the eighth grade boys against teachers. Teacher Gregg Morton has been playing in this game for 11 years. The male teachers strategy, he jokingly shared, was to “pass the ball to me as much as possible.”

Morton said of the past games, “Kids had posters, drawings of teachers, and absolutely went crazy whenever teachers made good plays, like three pointers, crazy dribble moves, or put back tip ins.” While Morton said he said he doesn’t like to be a ball hog, the teachers stuck with their game plan in the first quarter and got out to a 22-12 lead.

GMS counselor Heather Richards said the ladies’ game plan was “…no one gets hurt and have fun!” It was her first year playing in the game and she said, “It was nice to have so many students and families come out to support the causes that we’re fundraising for.”

Teacher Mary Guimond, who has participated in the event for five years shared, “We all do what we can for only playing once a year, and try not to hurt ourselves too badly. I grew up playing ice hockey, definitely not basketball, and have a newfound respect for the game after seeing these kids in action and attempting to play against them.”

In the second quarter, the eighth grade girls came out aggressive with quick shots by Kaci Mollison, Elizabeth Ruane, and Elizabeth Willette, and pulled within one point with a score of 25-24.

The third quarter started with intensity for both the teachers and the boys. Thom Courtney, GMS Guidance Counselor, came out to score first. The boys held their own and kept the game close with shots from Devin Jacques and Cody Sellick. The teachers remained in the lead after a last minute shot from Morton.

Highlights from the last quarter include some incredible passing by the girls’ team, two steals by Marin Graham, and baskets from Chloe Ruane, Katie Martin and Ava Bryant. When all was said and done, the players beat the teachers 51-40 for only the second time in the history of the game.

Morton said, “The last 4-5 years the games have been close because the girls’ teams have turned into a dominant force.” He also shared, “The kids really love the game and it seemed like the community enjoyed the new format as well, so hopefully there will be continued support in the future.”

While the game was going on, there was a fundraiser in the GMS cafeteria to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital. Seventh grader Brady Mercier wanted to do something to give back to the two organizations who have done so much for him.

Mercier had been hospitalized many times at a young age for surgeries and procedures, his mother Noelle Mercier shared. Among them, he has had open heart surgery and blood transfusions. According to Mercier, both Make-A-Wish and Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital are very near and dear to his heart. Regarding the time he spent at Barbara Bush, he said, “The people were really nice, compassionate,
and polite.” He hopes the money he raised can help them to purchase new equipment. And when it comes to Make-A-Wish, he was the recipient of a “wish” in October of 2017 when he went to Disney World and met many of his favorite characters. His favorite part, though? “Riding first on the rides,” he said. When the Disney employees saw him, they moved him right up to the front of the line. Mercier’s mom said Brady has volunteered during the summer helping to get things for other children’s “wishes”. He wanted to do something to give back and Tom Smith, GMS Assistant Principal, suggested a fundraiser/silent auction the same evening as the eighth grade vs. teachers game as it provided “a greater chance of a bigger crowd,” she said.

“I’ve been helping him while he’s been in school; other than that, it has definitely been a community effort,” she added.

With the generous donations from local business and friends, Mercier raised $1211 to split between the two organizations. To learn more about Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, visit mainehealth.org/barbara-bush-childrens-hospital and wish.org.