By Aiden Ramos and Christian Galligan – Staff Reporters

The Jonathan Law Key Club hosted its third annual Kickball Tournament on April 13 on the Law softball field.

Twelve kickball teams faced off against each other and the Grazers were named champions for the third consecutive year. There was a $5 entry fee for the co-ed tournament.

“The money raised goes towards Camp Sunshine,” Key Club Vice President Kayla Markowitz said. “Camp Sunshine is a summer camp up in Maine that provides free support for children with life threatening illnesses and their families” 

Other Key Club officers and staff members assisted with the scoreboard, pitching, umpiring, collecting donations, taking pictures, and overall making the fundraiser run smoothly.

“My favorite part of the Kickball Tournament is the sense of community it creates,” Dean of Students Mr. Ragaini said. “Everyone comes together, whether they’re playing, cheering, or volunteering, all for an amazing cause. There’s so much energy and positivity, and it’s inspiring to see people having fun while making a real difference for Camp Sunshine.:

The Championship Game came down to JDubs Elite against The Grazers, and after a hard fought battle, The Grazers were crowned champions. 

“Our strategy for winning is that we try to hold teams to less than 10 runs,” senior Alex Rodriguez said. “That’s a number that we know we can beat. Our kicking strategy is to have two or three people get on base and have a stronger kicker try and clear the bases.”

“To make our team better next year we need to build our team chemistry up and have a better strategy on the offensive side,” sophomore Amilio Vendetti said. “If we get that all together, you don’t want to see us next year.”

Regardless of winning or losing, all teams had a great time and felt even better knowing what the money they spent went to.

“I would say the tournament was super fun for everyone involved, and it appeared everyone had a good time playing with and against their friends,” Senior Key Club President Addy Barber said.  

The tournament has hopes to continue into next year and will be looking to crown a new champion, as the Grazers are a team full of seniors.

Overall, members of the Key Club and faculty volunteers were proud of the turnout and the money raised during this year’s tournament.

“The Key Club did an incredible job as always planning this year’s event,” English teacher Mr. Kulenych said. “The tournament ran smoothly, the games were competitive, and most importantly, we came together as a school community to help a great cause.”