The Deer Park chapter of Best Buddies proudly hosted its first annual Students vs. Teachers basketball game on June 7 in an overwhelmingly successful effort to spread the word of inclusion. The event was organized by Deer Park High School teacher Laurie Osbern and Best Buddies advisers Joe Alo and Gabriella Gilmartin, and numerous members of the Deer Park school community attended to show their support for all of the players.

The game started with a phenomenal performance of the National Anthem by Deer Park’s very own Chelsea Zieris. Prior to the tip-off, a ceremony was held at center court to honor the graduating students who participated in the game: Julianna Ball, Christopher DiDomenico, Richie Henn, Jessica Miranda, Katia Papailler, Jared Santiago, SK Shahriar and Alec Tchinnis.

Deer Park’s Best Buddies team consisted of members of the school’s skilled Unified basketball team, who put an exclamation point on their terrific winning season with a victory over the teachers on Friday. The Best Buddies team was coached by fellow Unified team members Jahvon Fells, Jessica Martin, Katia Papailler and Ariana Ringel, under the leadership of coaches Cory Black and Justin Gutman.

On the opposite side of the court stood a team consisting of the hardworking teachers and staff of Deer Park High School, coached by teachers Marissa Caruso and Karen Haar. Members of the team included Assistant Principal Dina Pannone; teachers Joe Alo, Lindsay Baudier, Evan DeNaro, Maria Devitt, Dylan Ferguson, Gabriella Gilmartin, Justin Gutman, Hunter Hayes, Brianne Hertzog, Lisa Kiernan, John King, Laurie Osbern, Stacy Ringel, Debra Scelzi, Derek Schmelter and Kerry Walsh; athletic trainer Dan Stevens; and security guards Rod Borum and Sean Mecca.  

Although the teacher team did not come away with a win, their effort will be remembered by all who attended as they start to prepare for a rematch next June. Deer Park High School Assistant Principal Craig Evans served as referee, calling a just and fair game.    

“Our chapter of Best Buddies looks forward to hosting this game as an annual event in the future,” Alo said. “Come on down and see the students of Best Buddies take on the teachers and staff of Deer Park High School next June!”

Date Added: 6/26/2024