BY AVERY PERSON
On April 3, Old Bridge’s “We Are One” All-Stars, a team consisting of administrators and faculty members from across the district, took on the Harlem Wizards in front of an electric crowd of over 1,200. The Special Education Parent Teacher Association organized the event with support from throughout the Old Bridge community.
The event exceeded expectations and raised over $22,000 for SEPTA, “We are still compiling income from tickets sales, sponsorships, souvenirs, and concessions,” said SEPTA President and key organizer of the event Diane Michael.
Although high school students didn’t get to play in the game, the festivities incorporated them in many ways. The Wizards’ announcer introduced the Play Unified basketball team to a great round of applause from the crowd. “It was very exciting to be introduced with the Unified basketball team,” said senior Victoria Krol.
Another group of high school students stepped into the spotlight to sing the National Anthem. “Singing the National Anthem in front of such a big crowd like that was amazing! I sang the national anthem for football games in the booth. However, to be able to see everyone while singing was such an amazing experience!” said senior Taylor Williams.
Even with a big crowd of kids and parents, the four members of the choir who performed did not get nervous. “It was amazing. I love performing for an audience and to sing the National Anthem for that many people was just amazing,” explained junior Mikayla Huff.
Students loved to see the Harlem Wizards and the faculty perform. “The game provided some nice entertainment and excitement, and the faculty performance was pretty good going against the pros,” said sophomore Kenny Brown. “I had a good time at the game.”
Students enjoyed seeing their teachers display their basketball skills on the court. “The energy in the gym felt great, and all the faculty members did an amazing job. Mrs. D’Amico’s 3’s we’re on point,” explained sophomore Camryn Smith
The organizer Diane Michael felt like the event was everything she expected and wanted. “We literally had no seats left. I was overwhelmed with so many emotions,” said Michael. “Honestly, the event exceeded my expectations. I had the opportunity to watch every single person in that gymnasium laugh, sing, dance, play and unite for SEPTA and for the Old Bridge School District. It was inclusive of every single unique individual that makes Old Bridge amazing.”
Posted on 4/28/22
Photos by Tim O’Neill
The Wizards, faculty participants, and the “Wiz Kidz” pose for picture in front of the packed stands. 
Project Unify members Kyle Bassit, Gabrielle Miller, and Kyle Janks help Teresa Buonomo and Diane Michael of SEPTA and Swoop from the Wizards announce the raffle winners during halftime of the game. 
Kyle Bassit and Kyle Janks sell raffle tickets for prizes that were announced at halftime. 
Vice Principal Sally Fazio runs out of the tunnel full of excitement. 
Kayleigh Pitts and Ilana Pazzani sing the National Anthem as part of the open ceremony before the game. 
Vice Principal John Bill shoots a three pointer on the fast break. 
Kyle Bassit and William Kennedy cheers as Lillian Adelfio greets Victoria Failla at half court during the introductions of the Play Unified team. 
Robert Cotugno gets his game face on as he runs throw the tunnel during introductions. 
King Arthur, one of the Wizards, breaks into a dance during the game. 
Vice Principal Richard Masarik pulls up for an open shot from the top of the key. 
The Play Unified Team and the rest of the crowd watch the Wizards and faculty participants play the game. 
Christina Cuello sprints through the tunnel during the team’s introductions. 
Unified basketball player Angel Cione takes a lap around the court during the opening ceremonies prior to the game. 
King Arthur high fives Victoria Failla in the front row of the bleachers as he hypes up the crowd. 
Robert Cotugno attempts a hook shot in the paint against multiple Wizard defenders. 
Joe D’Amico smiles and high fives Alex Percheski and Victoria Krol after he was introduced. 
The crowd cheers as seniors William Kennedy and Lillian Adelfio lead the Play Unified team in a lap around the court. 
Kayleigh Pitts, Ilana Pazzani, Taylor Williams, and Mikayla Huff harmonize in their pregame performance of the National Anthem. 
Members of the Play Unified basketball team watch the game from behind the scorer’s table in the front row of the stands. 
Angela D’Amico plays defense against Swoop despite his significant height advantage. 
Unified Basketball players Victoria Krol, Frank Lorence, and Alex Percheski head back to their seats after hitting the concession stand. 
Dr. Vincent Sasso dribbles the ball on the wing, looking for an open shot. 
William Kennedy and Frank Lorence sell bottled water to the fans to save them from missing part of the show to get a drink. 
Athletic Director Daniel Dimino watches as one of the Wizards takes flight for an awe-inspiring dunk. 
Kelly Higgins and Lauren Rosenburg, Play Unified participants, climb the bleachers to sell concessions to the fans.
Knight Life 