43
Photo
Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.The jazz band performed songs during the students versus staff basketball game at Austintown Fitch on March 20.
Photo
Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.The Fitch Cadets performed during a break at the staff versus students basketball game on March 20 at Austintown Fitch High School.
Photo
Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.Austintown staff played against the fifth-grade boys' basketball teams on March 20 to raise money for head custodian, Ray "Flash" Gordon, at Fitch High School.
Photo
Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.The roster for the Austintown staff team was announced before the staff versus students basketball game on March 20 to raise money for Ray "Flash" Gordon.
Photo
Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.The fifth-grade boys' basketball teams lined up as they prepared for the students versus staff basketball game fundraiser for Ray "Flash" Gordon on March 20.
Photo
Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.One of the fifth-grade students took a foul shot during the staff versus students basketball game at Austintown Fitch on March 20.
By ALEXIS BARTOLOMUCCI
The Austintown staff, students and PTA came together to support Ray “Flash” Gordon by hosting a student versus staff basketball game at Austintown Fitch High School on March 20.
Gordon, head custodian at Fitch, has been battling cancer and the money raised at the game will be given to him and his family for their expenses. The event cost a $2 minimum donation to get in, there were prize baskets to raffle off and concessions to help raise money.
Austintown faculty members formed one team and the two fifth-grade boys’ basketball teams from Austintown Intermediate School formed the opposing team. The teams played four short quarter with performances and contests between each quarter. There were performances by the Austintown Jazz Band, the Spirit Club, the Fitch Cadets and half-court shooting contest. Austintown Fitch students took on the job as referees for the game.
Before the game started, one of the PTA members spoke about Gordon and how the Austintown community is thankful for everything he has done for the school. The crowd cheered as the game began and the students and staff took park in a friendly competition for a good cause.
The basketball game provided a fun and competitive way to raise money for an individual who has been close with the Austintown School System for several years.