Number of Participants: 105
Hours Donated: 4
Value of Time Served: $3,549
Event Type: Civic & Community
Sport: Schools
Date: October 17, 2024
Location:
Quincy High School
Coddington Street, Quincy
MA
About:
On October 17, 2024, Quincy High School’s softball, volleyball, and basketball teams came together for a meaningful event to honor Priscilla Bonica, an exceptional athlete and cherished member of the community. “Playing for Priscilla” was more than just a sporting event; it was a tribute to a young woman whose strength, sportsmanship, and compassion touched the lives of everyone who knew her.
Priscilla, a 2021 graduate of Quincy High School, played on all three teams. She was known for her hard work, quiet leadership, and selfless contributions both on and off the court. Diagnosed with brain cancer in her senior year, Priscilla bravely fought a two-year battle before passing away on June 17, 2023. Though she was not the most vocal player, Priscilla’s dedication and perseverance made her a leader and role model to her teammates. She had a unique ability to motivate others to strive for excellence, often holding herself and her peers accountable for their performance.
Priscilla’s commitment to helping others extended beyond sports, as she pursued a healthcare tech major, and her kind, no-nonsense personality endeared her to those around her. Her legacy of leadership, hard work, and kindness is something the QHS community will never forget.
In remembrance of Priscilla, the event held special meaning. The date, 10.17.24, symbolized her jersey numbers across the sports she loved. The teams sponsored a family to stay for a week at Tommy’s Place, a vacation home for families with children battling cancer. Priscilla and her family cherished their time at Tommy’s Place, and this sponsorship served as a way to continue spreading the kindness and joy she brought to others.
As Coach Jacqui Niosi shared, Priscilla’s jerseys were displayed on the bench during the game, and players and fans wore blue 2024 T-shirts in her honor. Her sense of humor, competitive spirit, and caring nature lived on through her teammates and the community. The match was not just a game but a celebration of the values Priscilla embodied—teamwork, dedication, and heart.
As the stands filled with supporters, they came together to play with the same passion that Priscilla had shown in every aspect of her life. Her memory continues to inspire all who knew her. A moment of silence was observed to honor her lasting legacy.
