Saturday, January 23, recent and older graduates from Fair Grove gathered in the high school gym to participate in an Alumni basketball game. The idea behind the event was to have fun while also raising money for Project Graduation for the seniors after they graduate. There were two games that the players participated in, and numerous other activities. Two of the teams were composed of more recent CO-ED graduates, and the other two were of older graduates. “We had a great turn out of players and spectators for the Alumni game! There were several of our FG Seniors and students in attendance,” mentions Julie Stayce, who was in charge of concessions for the games. Stayce is the President of Project Grad for the 2015-16 school year, and has also been involved with the Fair Grove Band Boosters for 10 years overall. She mentions, “I grew up in Springfield, but I have lived in Fair Grove over 19 years. Although I didn’t graduate from Fair Grove High School, my heart is definitely here!”
There were multiple other activities that were offered during the game for the audience to enjoy. Also offered was a free-throw shootout for a dollar, a three-point shootout for five dollars, concessions, limeades and cherry limeades, as well as raffle tickets for half a pound of beef and a t-shirt quilt. “In the young guys’ game they had some good dunks, and it was fun seeing the older guys get up and down the court. Overall, it was a really positive way to raise money and get the community involved in a fun way,” states Heather Lumley, 1988 FG graduate, previous cheerleader, and a mom of a senior. Lumley participated by leading a few students in a cheer and by working the concessions.
All of the funds that were raised from admission, as well as from the other activities, will be going to support Project Grad. After the expenses, the event raised close to $1,000 for the 2016 senior class.