By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
NILES – Where else could you see a great game of basketball, the Cha Cha Slide and high school basketball players trying to be referees? At the annual Faculty Hoops game, of course.
Niles High School held its comical game Monday evening, which helps raise money for Project Graduation, an all night, drug and alcohol free celebration for graduating seniors.
Teachers and staff members of all Niles Community Schools went head-to-head on the hardwood floor to show fans the skills and thrills of the game.
Art Zache, a Niles High School teacher, led the high school team, while Ballard assistant principal Zech Hoyt led the elementary/middle school team.
"This is a great fundraising event which helps graduating classes from Niles High School and Cedar Lane raise money for a night of celebration," Nancy Strauss said.
Strauss said Project Graduation started in the early 90s, when two Niles High School seniors were killed in a car accident the night of graduation.
"We wanted to give seniors another alternative on graduation night, so Project Graduation was formed and has been providing seniors a fun-filled all night journey since," Strauss said.
On the night of graduation, seniors are loaded on buses and head to different destinations throughout the night.
"There are about four or five different sites they head to and it keeps the kids busy all night and we end with breakfast in the morning," Strauss added.
Strauss was pleased with Monday's turnout, which featured a few different events. At halftime, kids enjoyed attempting the ever-so popular half court shot, where a made basket was awarded with a free soft drink. A lot of students enjoyed dancing to the Cha Cha Slide, little giveaways were handed out throughout the game and raffle tickets were sold.
Referees for the game were Niles High School varsity basketball players Danny Rodts and Kurt Bourbonnais, who found out what it's like dealing with coaches always questioning calls.
All in all, the night was a success and the seniors this year are well on their way to enjoying another memorable night of Project Graduation thanks to fundraising events, such as Faculty Hoops.
"Everything's a surprise about that night. It's like their last hooray as a unit. It's a special time for them and a lot of tears are shed because most of them move away after high school. We're just glad we can offer the kids one last night together as a class," Strauss added.