Schools

Water Balloon Tournament Raises Money for Juvenile Diabetes Research

Babylon HS senior Judy Weis creates a fun tournament to cool off while helping raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Babylon High School's football field went from a place of sportsmanship to a water balloon war zone on Sunday afternoon as it played host to its first Water Balloon Tournament to raise money for the Juveile Diabetes Research Foundation.

"My family and I always have water balloon fights during the summer so I figured why not have an even bigger one," said senior Judy Weis, who organized the event as a part of her class, Leadership in the 21st Century. As a part of the course, students have to organize a community service project. "I think we had a good turnout. I had a lot of fun!"

Weis said she came up with the idea because one of her close friends was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes.

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"I thought, 'Why not donate to such a good cause?" she said.

"We try to get the kids more civic minded and active in the community," said Babylon HS teacher Chris Ryan, who teaches the course and acted as game referree. "Judy came up with this and did a lot of good work. She did her own advertising. We have gotten a lot of involvement from the kids and the alumni coming back."

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Ryan estimated the event raised upwards of $500 through donations and involvement in the tournament.

A bright and sunny sky helped bring out over 100 students and alumni as teams of students faced off in a dodgeball-like game. The rules were simple – the balloon hits you and explodes on you, you are out.

"If its something they want to do and they're passionate about, they're going to do a great job and have fun," said Mr. Ryan.

As the battles waged on, the final fight came between a group of teachers, including Mr. Ryan, and the school's alumni. The alums outlasted the team of teachers, but no one really counted the wins or loss. In addition to the balloons flying, the group also had contributions from local vendors as a part of a raffle, including Argyle Jewelers, The Carriage House, Pandemonium and many others.


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