East and West team up to support 'Justen's Wish'

The Cranston Herald ·

There come times in life to put rivalries and pettiness aside even for one evening for the opportunity to support a greater good.

On Tuesday, May 23, faculty members from Cranston High Schools East and West teamed up against students from East and West in a fundraiser basketball game to support “Justen’s Wish” an ill student at Cranston West.

The original idea for the game came from East senior class president Nicole DeAngelis.

The initial idea was for the game to be a traditional East versus West format, but after careful consideration and in speaking to faculty members from West, the idea of a partnership would be a better representation of the cause.

“East and West came together to help a student battling a life-threatening illness. Our t-shirt graphics were even designed with a ‘WE’ in the center to represent East and West. A falcon and a thunderbolt were included in the design as well. ‘WE’ stand united for ‘Justen's Wish,’” said East Senior Class Advisor, Andrea DiCicco.

The shirts themselves were designed by a Senior East student, Brian Zhen.

Social studies teacher William Coughlin was the referee.

The faculty players from East included Vice Principal Christopher D’Ambrosio, physical education teacher Steven Hallas, special education teacher Richard Harris, football coach Isaiah McDaniel, special education teacher Joseph Salimeno, Englisht teacher Ian Smith and business teacher Baerbel Tully.

Student players from East were Sarah Coutu, Sam Hanley, Brendan Lanigan, Rasheed Louis, Aireus Raspberry, McKenzie Richards, John Samos and Kyle Valentine.

Cranston West was represented by the following faculty members: math teachers Julie Bannon and Brian Hart, Ryan Ingerowski, English teachers Evan Lancia and Paul Perentin, math teachers Michaela Salois and Eric Simpson, health/PE instructor Mike Soscia and Steve Versacci from CACTC.

The West students that played were: Cam Alves, Brett Bucci, Julia Improta, Mia James, Lusalli Lopez, Tommy Marcello, Kevin Mitchell and Katie Sleboda.

East Special Education teacher Rita Searight-Bellah secured Coach Ed Cooley from Providence College to be the team coach for the faculty players.

“The basketball game was an example of what can happen when organizations work together for a common cause,” DiCicco said. “The East and West rivalry was put aside for an evening to raise money for Justen's Wish The night was successful because everyone had the same goal and positive energy. Sam Hanley, one of our East seniors, said, ‘We should do an event like this one every year.’ He's right. May is a perfect time to bring East and West together. It's these kind of events where we see the best in our students, faculty, supportive parents, and community members. Coach Cooley was instrumental in making this event a success and we are forever grateful to him for coaching our players and for helping Justen's Wish a reality.”

Radio host and Cranston West graduate Jess Schiano, from 92.3 PRO-FM spoke to the crowd and said how impressed she was with the turnout and wished everyone good luck.

Providence College basketball coach, Ed Cooley spoke also.

“It’s important for PC to be here tonight to show support. Rhode Island is the greatest place to live, and we need to support the whole community,” he said.

The game was announced by John Cardullo.

Students wore white shirts and were considered the home team, and faculty in green were the visitors/guests.

Playing two 20-minute halves and not wasting any time, teachers drew first blood within the first minute of the game scoring the first two points.

At the end of the first half it was close: faculty 37, students 36.

During half time and time outs there were games played and prizes handed out.

With under a minute left in the final half, there were only three points separating the two teams and the students led. With two foul shots taken by the students, they claimed bragging rights with a final score of 63-58.

Cranston West Principal Tom Barbieri was pleased with the game.

"Great things happen when Cranston gets together" he said.

Adding to this game, and a joint Pinkberry night, West held several fundraisers of their own for Justen.

“Our baseball and basketball teams both did fundraisers, our staff did a Dress Down day and student council also did a fundraiser,” said Barbieri.

Even though there was much smack talk on the court, the two schools did not have any side wagers on the outcome.

East Principal, Sean Kelly was proud of his school.

“It was a great night, very proud of both schools and especially our Senior Class,” he said.

The total raised at the game was $1,127.75.

According to DiCicco, after all the fundraising events the Cranston East Senior Class will be presenting a check for $5,000 to A Wish Come True, Inc., on Wednesday, May 31, to support Justen’s Wish.