Rivalry With A Purpose: Great Mills, Leonardtown Staff Take The Court To Fight Pediatric Cancer

GREAT MILLS, Md. — Students at Great Mills High School are bringing back a once-popular tradition, this time with a renewed purpose: raising money to fight pediatric cancer.

The school’s Mini-THON club will host a Staff vs. Staff basketball game against Leonardtown High School at 6 p.m. March 12 in the Great Mills High School gym. Tickets are $6, with proceeds benefiting pediatric cancer research.

The idea for the rivalry matchup is rooted in local history.

In an interview with Claire Davis, Mini-THON board member, Claire told The BayNet, “Our club sponsor mentioned that in the early 2000s they used to do basketball tournaments between Spring Ridge staff, Great Mills staff, police officers and firefighters to raise money for local charities,” she said. “We decided to try and organize a similar event between our school and its rival as a fundraiser for our club’s cause.”

Students are hoping the community will rally behind the cause and fill the stands.

“We are hoping to raise over $3,000, making it our biggest event of the year,” Davis said.

Behind the scenes, students have taken the lead in organizing nearly every aspect of the event.

“We have 3 project leads organizing the event and logistics and coordinating with school principals and staff, athletic directors, referees and businesses to make sure everything will run smoothly,” Davis said. “Other students in the club help out where they are needed, making advertisements, running other fundraisers and activities at the game and pitching in with new ideas to make the event a success.”

Organizers are also planning interactive elements to keep the crowd engaged beyond the game itself.

“During halftime, we are planning on doing some fun competitions or fundraisers to engage the spectators,” Davis said. “We will also be recognizing any business sponsors that support the game.”

Currently, local businesses Schneider Orthodontics and Cheseldine are supporting the effort.

For those unable to attend, students say there are still ways to help.

“Spread the word! Tell people about the game and our cause to raise awareness for kids with pediatric cancer,” Davis said. “We also have a donor drive where they can donate money at any time.”

Community members can contribute through the club’s online donor drive at https://fourdiamonds.donordrive.com/GMHSMT/donate.

With student leadership at the forefront and a friendly rivalry fueling excitement, organizers hope the event will showcase how Southern Maryland schools can come together for a greater cause, supporting children and families facing pediatric cancer.

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