NHS Student-Athletes Raise Money For Two Local Families

By Eliza Hallabeck

Half of the risers in the gym were filled on Thursday, January 8, when senior members of the volleyball team and the football team faced off for a cause at Newtown High School.

Students, family, and friends were welcomed to Newtown High School for a night of auctions, raffles, and games to raise money for Newtown resident Ken Ayles, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor last year, and Jill Bevilacqua, who has multiple sclerosis and is the cousin of one of the students on the NHS football team.

John Marcucilli, assistant football coach and the parent of a Newtown High volleyball player, worked to organize the event. The evening at the school included raffles, contests, and music provided by DJ Kevin Koschel.

One side of the gym was packed and the other side held volunteers, supporters, and scattered members of the audience.

NHS teacher Jason Edwards welcomed everyone to the first annual “Volleyfest,” and announced the game.

With the volleyball players on one side and varsity members of the football team on the other, the volleyball was sent across the net as each team scored points.

More than 250 tickets were sold, and according to Marcucilli, more than $6,000 has been raised for the two families.

In a best of three games event, the volleyball team won the first game, the football team won the second ,and volleyball team then took the deciding game.

Donations may be contributed to the cause by sending mail to the NFA c/o Newtown Football Association, 12 Berkshire Drive, Sandy Hook CT 06482.