The pupils are still learning from the masters as a team of faculty members defeated a squad of seniors by a score of 29-23 at Holy Cross High School’s annual “Christmas Classic” in Flushing on Tuesday, December 22.
While both sides played to win, the score was secondary to the true task at hand: raising money to assist less fortunate members of the community. The eagerly anticipated tradition raises funds for, and awareness of, non-profit organizations in the New York City area that serve those in need.
The event, which goes back almost 30 years at the school, located at 26-20 Francis Lewis Boulevard, takes place over a period of five days during which seniors solicit funds from their peers, friends, parents and employers.
“The idea of the ‘Classic’ is two-fold. First and foremost, it was established to raise money for those in need and to support those community and faith-based organizations that serve those in need,” said Michael Genovese, director of the Service Learning Program. “The second purpose is to engender school spirit and good will as part and parcel of the Holy Cross mission of hospitality and celebration of mind and heart.”
This year, despite the difficult economic climate, $5,300 was raised between student solicitations and a “dress-down day.”
The top 16 senior fundraisers earned the privilege of competing against the faculty in a game attended by the entire student body as well as numerous alumni who were invited to return. The five top scorers also constituted the senior team’s starting five: co-captains Anthony Sibilio and Nicholas Lamonaca, Stephen Parisi, Vincent Florido and Robert Goger.
Donated monies will be distributed to a number of agencies and organizations that are served by Holy Cross students in their Service Learning Program. In addition, checks will be sent to support the Holy Cross Missions in East Africa as well as the US-Africa Children’s Foundation in Zimbabwe.
