Basketball School Day Sends Anti-Bullying Message
The Westchester Knicks had a sold out crowd for their for their initial “School Day” at the Westchester County Center, when they faced the Erie Bayhawks, in an 11 a.m. contest, on Wednesday, Dec. 3.
The theme for the Westchester Knicks “School Day” was to educate the students in attendance concerning Anti-Bullying, as they watched the local Knicks in action.
The Anti-Bullying campaign was orchestrated by Traciana “Bully Proof Diva” Graves, who gave motivational speeches to the students during timeouts and at halftime during the game. “If you believe who you are on the planet matters then stand,” spoke Graves to the children from center court. “Say something beautiful,” encouraged Graves, who is the founder of the “Say Something Beautiful” Anti-Bullying Campaign.
The National Anthem on “School Day” was sung by students from Pearl River Middle School. Francesca De lia and Carys Daly from Good Counsel Academy Elementary School in White Plains participated in the Ball Transfer ceremony during pregame festivities.
Good Counsel also received the honor to participate in the pregame introductions, as they lined up with the Westchester Knicks team to greet the starting line-up, as Public Address Announcer Mark Fratto introduced the team.
“Our Principal Pamela Matott and our secretary Ms. Smith organized the event and we got this wonderful opportunity to attend the game and be on the court. Their anti-bullying rally is a positive message and the children are learning a lot,” said Gina Nieves, a fourth grade Home Room and fifth grade Social Studies teacher at Good Counsel.
The Westchester Knicks did not disappoint the over 2400 energetic students in attendance, as they beat the Bayhawks, 100-94 for their fourth win of the season.
All the students and adult fans in attendance at the game could bring their game-tickets to Buffalo Wild Wings for a sample of free wings. During games at the Westchester County Center, if the Westchester Knicks score 100 points or more, all fans in attendance are treated to free wings at Buffalo Wild Wings.
“It is so awesome to be here today, this game is really cool. I am having a great time,” said, Caroline Smith, a sixth grade student at Good Counsel.
The Westchester Knicks record this season is 4-5, after losing on the road to the Grand Rapids Drive, 111-88, in Michigan and the Ft. Wayne Mad Ants, 97-86, in Indiana. The Westchester Knicks return home to the Westchester County Center to play the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, on Friday, Dec.12, at 7 p.m.
