Most class fundraisers at Cherry Hill High School East involve a restaurant, where the class receives a certain profit from that restaurant, or a food sale after school. This year, however, the Class of 2024 came up with a different idea — a student versus staff basketball game, with ticket sales benefiting the senior class.

On March 7, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., the game took take place at East, costing $3 for students and $5 for parents to attend.

The faculty were victorious by one point over the students. The game featured several familiar teachers, leading many in the student body to become excited about the game. The Class of 2024 also sent out a survey to the students in order to determine who was interested in playing in the game. The survey asked for the applicant’s skill level and grade, simplifying the process of deciding which students got to play. Many students have formed close bonds with their teachers, but these students rarely see the teachers outside of the classroom, forming an incentive for students to want to sign up or even attend the game and watch.

“When I heard that Mr. [Michael] Mancinelli and some other of my teachers were playing in a basketball game versus the students, I looked right away to see if I was available,” said Cheyenne Pr’Out (‘24).

Though the idea of integrating teachers into afterschool events is not a new one, according to Mr. Charles Davis, East Activities Director, there has never been a student versus staff basketball game in the time that he has been at East. In the past, events such as bidding to pie a teacher in the face have been very popular at school pep rallies.

“We want to hold a fundraiser that students can look forward to and enjoy; one where students in all grades will be enticed into going to,” said Student Government Association (SGA) Representative Lindsey Krieger (‘24) before the event. Along with the idea coming from SGA, the teachers also had a role.

Former East student and current teacher in the math department, Mr. Andrew Satz, competed on the Boys’ Varsity Basketball team as a shooting guard. Satz, who is currently an assistant coach for the Girls’ Basketball team at East, said that one day, a student in his class had an unusual request for him.

“A few years ago, a student of mine challenged me to a one-on-one basketball game. While I never played this student, the idea of students playing staff … always intrigued me,” said Satz.

Satz later brought this idea up to other teachers, but it never came to fruition. However, when the Class of 2024 suggested the idea to him, he quickly said “yes” to getting back on the court.