High School Students Dodge Balls to Raise Funds

Students at Tolland High School competed in a super-charged tournament of dodgeball Friday to raise money for Project Graduation.

"This was a good fundraiser, so they spread the word throughout school and had an overwhelming response," said Colton Bridge, one of the student coordinators for this year’s event.

“They borrowed the dodgeball idea from Ellington High School and started the tradition last year," said Ben Braz, another student organizer.

"Though we don't make a lot of money from this, the idea is to have fun," said Amy Steed, a Physical Education teacher at the high school, and advisor for the class of 2012.

Twenty dodgeball teams, including some in costumes, entered the event this year, as well as one team made up of staff members. All teams played two games with double elimination. A huge crowd of supporters, parents, family and friends attended the event to cheer on their favorite team.

 A team called “The OWLS” took the championship.  They were undefeated throughout the tournament. Second place went to “Pain Train.” Best Uniform went to “7 guys dressed in adult Nintendo costumes.” Eric Venezia from “Fresh Prince,” who also helped coordinate the event, was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament.

Tolland High School’s Project Graduation will take place at .  Colton says that the money raised will be “used to hire entertainment for the night such as blow up slides for the pool, a comedian, and lots of giveaways all donated by generous Tolland businesses and residents.”

Now that Tolland High School students have successfully organized the dodgeball tournament for two consecutive years, Bridge said he is "hoping that this will become an annual tradition."

Project Graduation is meant to keep graduating students safe, in a fun atmosphere without the worry of young teens driving around on graduation night.

For information on how to donate to Project Graduation, contact .