Elementary school students are used to seeing teachers do a few things each day — teach, read, listen, answer questions and maybe even eat an apple.
Well last week, students from each of the district’s four schools had a chance to see their teachers in a new light.
Staff from Kresson, Hamilton, Osage and Signal Hill traded in their khakis for T-shirts and sweatpants, laced up their tennis shoes and got down to business during last week’s annual teacher’s volleyball match.
Hundreds of students, decked out in the school’s colors from head to toe, came out to support their teachers. Earlier that day, each school held a pep rally to muster up some school spirit.
Money from ticket and snack sales go directly to funding two, $2,000 scholarships for Voorhees seniors at Eastern Regional High School, said Trudy Lockspeiser, of the Voorhees Township Education Association.
The event, now in its 12th year, started with one goal — to bring the four elementary schools together, said VTEA Vice-President Mike Redfearn. The event took a few years to take off, he said, but students now count down the days until the next time they can see their math teacher spike the ball.
“The kids love it,” Redfearn said. “It’s fun, it’s loud and exciting, and neat to be here with the parents and kids.”
Teachers took the court last week with colored bandanas and the intent to win. In the first round, Hamilton and Kresson schools defeated Osage and Signal Hill.
Signal Hill faced off in the consolation game against Osage and came out victorious.
And even though his team lost, Osage third-grader Dylan Richter said he still had a great time. He said he liked how his favorite teacher played.
“Mrs. Coughlin, she played well,” he said.
When it came time for the main event, teachers from Kresson and Hamilton were ready to dig as if their lives depended on it.
Kresson teachers took the lead early, with a 9–5 score. Hamilton remained scoreless thereafter, and Kresson racked up the score to 14–5, thinking victory was just one point away.
After learning the game goes to 21 points in the final round, Hamilton slowly crept up and stayed neck and neck with Kresson, leveling out the score at 19.
With a come from behind win, Hamilton took the title, 21–19. Hundreds of students stormed the court, giving out high fives to teachers, students and mascots.
Even though his team was narrowly defeated, Kresson computer teacher Matt Mignogna said the experience of playing and seeing the students was all worth it.
“It’s a really great feeling to see the kids come out and support you,” Mignogna said. “It’s pretty cool.”
