Elementary Schools Capture Back-to-School Kickball Cup in Annual Montgomery Staff Showdown

Nicholas Mistretta

MHS ’79 Cougar Sports Correspondent

MONTGOMERY, NJ — School spirit, friendly rivalry and plenty of community support were on display behind Orchard Hill Elementary School Thursday afternoon as staff members from four Montgomery schools took the field for the district’s annual staff kickball game. More than 35 staff members from Orchard Hill Elementary School, Village Elementary School, Lower Middle School and Upper Middle School participated in the six-inning contest, which brought together educators, students, families and local organizations for an afternoon centered on fun and school-community connection. The elementary school team ultimately claimed the Back-to-School Kickball Cup, defeating the middle school staff 6-4.

Students Take Part in the Action
Students played an important role in the event as well, serving as umpires and helping give the game the feel of a true community competition. Before the first pitch, eighth-grader Ellie Katz performed the National Anthem for those gathered at the field. Montgomery Mayor Neena Singh helped officially get the game underway by delivering the ceremonial first pitch. From there, staff members from the four schools settled into a full six-inning game, with the elementary schools and middle schools competing for bragging rights — and the annual cup.

Community Support Beyond the Field
The afternoon extended beyond the kickball diamond, with local businesses and community organizations helping support the event. Beniminos, the Ice Cream Man, Fal-Rooney Sports Camps, The Hope Squad, and the MES and MMS PTAs were among those on hand as sponsors and participants in the community gathering. Food trucks from local businesses also helped add to the atmosphere as families and students gathered to watch their teachers and school staff trade classrooms and offices for the kickball field.

A Little Competition, a Lot of School Spirit
While the final score gave the elementary schools this year’s bragging rights, the annual event was designed as much around bringing the school community together as it was around competition. Teachers and staff who normally work in separate buildings shared the same field, students had the chance to see familiar faces in a very different setting, and families were able to enjoy an informal afternoon connecting with members of the district community. By the time the final inning was complete, OHES and VES had earned a 6-4 victory over the LMS and UMS staff and possession of the Back-to-School Kickball Cup for another year. For Montgomery’s school community, the annual game once again proved that a little friendly competition can go a long way toward bringing four schools together..

Photo Credit: John Rooney