This Wednesday, March 12th, from 6 to 8, the class of 2026 and 27 will host the annual fundraiser basketball game called, “Swoosh for Change,” in the Morgan gymnasium to raise money for the class of 2026 and 2027, and give back to the community.

Where is the money going and why
Swoosh for Change is an annual faculty game that raises money for beneficial causes. This year, half the money is going to Clinton Human Services and the other half to classes of 2026-27.

According to the Clinton Human Services website, some services that they offer are clinical, prevention services, and social services. One such program that is directly tied to our school is REACT, a club dedicated to teaching students about mental health. Kathy Grega is the Human Resource Director. There is a team of 6 men and women in charge of human services.

Ms. Rivadeneira, class advisor of 2026 and Spanish teacher at Morgan, felt strongly about splitting the money with a good cause. “We chose human services because we thought it was a good place to bring the money back to help people in our community,” said Rivadeneira.

The rest of the money raised will be redirected back to the students at Morgan. “The money that is donated to classes of 2026-27 is going to help for prom, like paying for the DJ and decorations, also the senior trip.” said Ms Terreri. Class advisor for the class of 2027.

What to expect at the game and how much it costs

Other than the game, there are many thrilling things planned to happen during the halftime event including a Morgan rock band performance, a mini-game between Eliot boys and girls basketball, and a performance by Joel’s student chorus.

It is $20 to sign up and participate in the game. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door on the day of the game. Prices are $5 per person, $6 with card, $20 for a family of four or more, and kids five and under are welcome in for free. Concessions and raffles will also be sold at the event.

Because of the sense of community the event brings back staff year after year to play. “It brings the community together and raises money for a good cause,” said Mr. Bean, who has been playing since he started working here.

According to Mrs. Couch, the class advisor of 2026 and school guidance counselor, teams are distributed first come first serve between students and teachers, including 9 teachers and 14 students.

Senior, Mitch Deming, who is signed up for this event expressed his excitement for the game, “I’m excited to play with kids from my grade and have one last fun event together before we graduate.”

What is the background of Swoosh for Change?

“Swoosh for Change” started in 2012 when two students, PaulMichael Mullaly, and Elizabeth Bradley, from the class of 2014, came up with the idea to start the fundraiser. An article was then written about it in 2013. The first fundraiser basketball game took place on March 14, 2013. This year, Mrs. Rivadeneira, Mrs. Couch, Mrs. Terreri, Mrs. Sloat, and the classes of 2026 and 2027 are working together to keep the event going.

In the past, students have worn white while the faculty wore blue. This year, the plan is to have students wear anything they want, and faculty wear any Clinton Public School merch.

Last year, the Swoosh for Change fundraiser raised $1,122. It was very successful and reached the goal of raising money for not only the class of 2024, but also for the Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries. This year, Mrs. Rivadeneira said, “I hope that we can raise a lot of money to give back to our community. That’s the most important, and also to help with our costs from prom for the sophomore class.”

What issues are we having with participation?

Although these fundraisers, in the past, have been a big hit, there is concern regarding participation this year. Mrs. Rivadenaira, who has run several fundraisers this year, has expressed concern about the lack of participation in recent fundraisers.

Earlier in the school year, the class of 2026 attempted to put on its yearly powderpuff game, but it was canceled. Mrs. Rivadenaria added, “I hope everyone comes out because, lately, I feel like a lot of people haven’t been attending fundraisers. I think it’s a really cool activity to attend a basketball game with teachers and students.”

What to expect

Nine faculty members are playing in this year’s event. Five teachers are participating from Morgan, two Eliot teachers, one Joel teacher, and one district member, Officer Corbin. The faculty is being coached by two seniors, Hunter Mancini, and Wyatt Luke – who was one of the captains of this year’s boys basketball team.

The faculty team has a good history of beating the students. While talking with Spanish teacher Mr. Bean, he said, “I think it will be potentially be a very good game. It could be a tossup, but teachers got this game.”

The students are underdogs coming into this game, But they are still very excited for the matchup. Declan Shortt, a junior who is signed up to play, said, “I hope everyone comes out because lately, I feel like people haven’t been attending events. I think it is a really cool activity to attend a basketball game and play against our fellow teachers.”