Number of Participants: 33
Hours Donated: 4
Value of Time Served: $4,592
Event Type: Health & Medicine
Activity: Boys Basketball
School: South Side High School
Date: January 29, 2026
Location:
South Side High School
Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre
NY
About:
The South Side High School Boys Basketball program recently brought the community together for a powerful evening of remembrance, support, and purpose during its “Hoops 4 Mary” dedication games.
The event honored the memory of Mary Ruchalski while raising awareness and support for the Mary Ruchalski Foundation and its mission in the fight against pediatric cancer. Student-athletes, coaches, families, and community members filled the stands, creating an atmosphere that reflected both school pride and a shared commitment to making a difference.
Through their leadership and participation, the Cyclones demonstrated how athletics can serve as a meaningful platform for advocacy and compassion. The dedication games provided an opportunity to recognize Mary’s lasting impact while rallying support for families facing similar challenges.
Initiatives like “Hoops 4 Mary” highlight the important role school athletic programs play in strengthening community connections and promoting service-driven values. By coming together for a cause greater than the game, South Side student-athletes continue to show what it means to lead with heart, resilience, and unity — proving that together, they are stronger in the fight against pediatric cancer.
