Bronxville School’s athletes collaborated with the younger members of the community and led a number of activities to raise money for a variety of charitable organizations during Spring Spirit Week, held April 15-21. The annual Spirit Week, sponsored by the Athletic Council, was originally intended to build community spirit around athletic events, but has had a bigger impact over the last few years.
“The students saw an opportunity to add a charitable component to their events that not only helps foster spirit, but also acts as a means of giving back to the community that supports their efforts,” Athletic Director Karen Peterson said.
To kick off the week, the boys and girls track teams offered a free clinic to more than 170 students in grades one through five on April 14. During the annual pep rally and senior/faculty volleyball game the following day, members of the Athletic Council celebrated athletic, academic and artistic achievements.
Also on April 15, the baseball team raised more than $1,000 for the Zoe Klimley Scholarship Fund on Baseball Fan Day, when they invited youth players to the game for fun and prizes. The boys and girls lacrosse teams held their fan days on April 18 and 19 and raised more than $12,500 for the One Love Foundation, which raises awareness about relationship abuse.
On April 16, members of the Athletic Council and Student Faculty Legislature held the inaugural Thomas Jakelich Soccer Tournament at Chambers Field in honor of former Bronxville student and avid soccer player Thomas Jakelich, who died of injuries he suffered during a soccer game in the fall. The event, which brought together more than 150 student-participants and 100 spectators to honor Jakelich’s memory, including students from the Loyola School, Tuckahoe and Yonkers school districts, raised more than $3,500 for the Thomas Jakelich Memorial Scholarship Fund.
In addition, the golf and mountain bike teams assisted with building bicycles for troops and their family members through the Home to Hearts Bike Build event on April 30.
“Our students have raised more than $16,500 this spring for charitable causes,” Peterson said. “Not only have they raised money, they have had the opportunity to create, implement, at times struggle, and emerge as better leaders and citizens through our co-curricular program.”
Photo Captions: Bronxville School athletes led a number of activities to raise money for a variety of charitable organizations during Spring Spirit Week, held April 15-21.
Photos courtesy of the Bronxville Union Free School District
