I.S. 291 Boys' Basketball Team

My name is James Moran. I'm a 7th and 8th grade Social Studies teacher at I.S. 291 Roland Hayes in Bushwick, NY. I just finished my first year teaching and my experience at this school has been life-changing. Our students don't have access to the same resources as many other students around the state, and our students overwhelmingly receive free or reduced lunch due to family income. The students at I.S. 291 deserve the same access to resources as other students. Last year, I and two other coaches started a boys' basketball team. I would play basketball with the students during their recess and their passion for the sport was inspiring. I remember being their age, playing basketball, and how much joy it brought me. It also taught me many valuable life lessons, such as teamwork, discipline, controlling emotions, the importance of completing school work to participate in sports, sportsmanship, and genuine love for your teammates, school, and community. Basketball has contributed very much to the man I am today and these students deserve an opportunity to receive that same gift.

When I was growing up on Long Island, the community always came together to support our sports teams and most importantly, the children. I am asking my community to help me in supporting a group of talented young men in making their dreams a reality. As their coach, I would like to be able to provide them with jerseys, the funds to join a league so we can pay referees and fees associated, travel costs (if needed), and purchase of regulation basketballs. These are just a few priority items that are needed for our upcoming first season this school year. However, if our community can come together and support these boys then it provides them with access to further opportunities. If you saw the smile on these kids' faces when playing the game of basketball; if you saw the effort they put into practices last year to learn how to play organized basketball for the first time; if you saw how they grew to work together, support each other, and build a brotherhood; if you saw what I have seen when it comes to this group of young men then you would understand why they deserve our support. Please give whatever you can to support the I.S. 291 Roland Hayes Boys' basketball team. GO HAWKS!