Student-Staff Softball Game Sparks Fun, Charity

POUGHKEEPSIE – On the final day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the final day of National Principals Month the Poughkeepsie school community did something special.

“We just fused it into one event,” said Felix Contreras, Poughkeepsie High School’s assistant principal for climate and culture.

The school on Thursday held a fundraiser softball game titled “Battling Against Breast Cancer,” in which students took on staff in front of hundreds cheering in the stands.

More than a game, Contreras said it was an opportunity to have fun and build community while addressing a cause personal to many.

“We saw the students and staff come together,” he said. “Everyone was cheering each other on.”

That’s not to say it wasn’t competitive. Part of the reason why so many – 23 – students took part in the game was the chance to show staff members what they had on the field.

“A lot of the girls on the softball team told me, ‘We’re coming for you,’” Contreras said with a laugh.

The five-inning game was held at the end of the school day at the athletic complex, with the school on an assembly schedule. Despite a valiant comeback late, including a home run from student Kyshina Justus-Gause, the staff won, 6-4.

Not above playful ribbing of their own, school leadership Friday positioned the game trophy in the front office window – as well as the MVP trophy shared by teachers Dan Gil and Mark Bianco – with a caption “SOFTBALL DOMINANCE Scholars Better Luck Next Year!!”

The day was also an opportunity to honor Dr. Phee Simpson during National Principals Month. Event organizers and students presented her with a certificate of appreciation and flowers. “Giving her a shout out there in front of the school community,” Contreras said, “we thought that was important.”

Assistant Principal Cecil Coston said he and math teacher Julius Cox came to the idea for the game as an additional opportunity to bring students and staff together on a senior trip in June. When they realized the timing for it would be best in October, he knew it should be a fundraiser. Coston said he’s been advocating for breast cancer awareness in his schools for more than a decade.

“You realize how many people are touched by this deadly disease,” he said. “Not just breast cancer, but cancer in general. It’s just something I continue to do each year.”

Capped by the game, the school community raised roughly $300 for the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Coston said their goal is to reach $2,000.

“Our fundraising mission is to help improve the lives of people affected by cancer, as well as inspire our students to be advocates to their communities and for wellness,” he said.
Contreras said staff members, too, relished the day.

“They want to see this done annually,” he said. “One of the teachers asked if we could make it into a volleyball event. I said, ‘We’ll see.’”