by McKenna Graham
On Friday January 21st, our school held a celebration called “Hoopin for Hope,” which was similar to “Volley for a Cure” but instead of raising money for breast cancer, it raised money and awareness for prostate and colon cancer. The cheerleaders and poms team performed in a white T shirt that supported the evening’s event. That same T shirt was sold before the game to students and faculty and sold to parents and spectators during the game. The sale of T-shirts and the events of the evening raised almost $1,800 for the Susan Cohan Kasdas Colon Cancer Foundation. Those fans that wore the supportive T-shirt got into the game free. Besides supporting a good cause this game had special meaning for Joliet residents as it was played against the Lockport Porters and was played in honor of the Joliet East Kingsmen. There was a lot of hard work put into this night but Joliet Central Athletics Director Steve Locke thought it turned out well, “The Joliet East Appreciation night was a huge success. With the help of Jeff Corcoran, Lynne Lichtenauer and Mike O’Connell, Kingsmen athletes were able to be recognized and remembered. The night also provided an opportunity for the Kingsmen to get together and remember the wonderful days at Joliet East” Locke said. To honor the Kingsmen our boys wore the green and gold Joliet East uniforms. There were plenty of Joliet East alumni at the game supporting our current Joliet Central Steelman as well as honoring their legacy. Unfortunately, Lockport won the game in a defensive battle 43-29.