Project Change Hosts Third Annual Dodgeball Tournament

By John Sutherland ’16

photos by Jack Armstrong ’15

For the third straight year, Project Change hosted a dodgeball tournament as a fundraiser for a charity. This year, the tournament took place on February 23 and raised close to $800 for You Have The Power, a bullying prevention program for middle school kids. The tournament was expanded to 18 teams of 10 participants after only having 10 teams the previous year. A team with mostly juniors named “We’re Ready For Hillary” won the single-elimination tournament.

“We’re Ready For Hillary” beat out “The Thugs in the Street,” an all-senior team, in the championship game. Team chemistry and previous tournament experience were big reasons why “We’re Ready For Hillary” won the tournament. Seven juniors on the team, Bailey Doan, Matt Ervin, Shyaka Gahima, Sam Hudson, Shervin Kashani, Michael Metro, and Justin Rose, also won the tournament two years earlier as freshmen.

Project Change Program Manager Katie Johnson was very pleased with how the tournament went. “The whole event went very smoothly. My club presidents Matt McDonald and Annie Feinroth and the rest of the Project Change Club members did a great job.” said Johnson. “I would like to thank all of the players, especially our champions. The event was definitely a success.”

One unique aspect about this year’s tournament was the presence of an all teacher team called “Old Skool.” Social studies resource teacher Christine McKeldin came up with the idea of having a team of teachers and was team captain for the team. “Old Skool” lost in heartbreaking fashion to “The Thugs in the Street” in the semifinals. “Old Skool” got all but one player out on the opposing team but failed to convert on the golden opportunity as “The Thugs in the Street” caught some throws to get players back in the game. Time ran out with both teams having two players still on the court so the game was forced to have extra time with the remaining players on the court. “The Thugs in the Street” eventually pulled out the win.

Project Change also handed out awards to “Girl Scouts” for Best Dressed and to “Las Vegas Police Department” for Best Team Name.

The tournament was very well received and many will hope it will be back again next year.