Spring time is here, and senior projects with sports clinics are making their way to NK. Not only are these events beneficial for the senior who hosts them, but they bring opportunity to all students school wide to have a good time and learn the importance of being a team player. Most of the projects also help raise contributions  or awareness for the cause or event that the senior supports.

Recent sports clinics held by seniors include an event held by Shawn Gibbs that was aimed to help students with special needs get involved in some recreational sports and simply have a good time. “It was awesome, I handed out papers asking for feedback and everyone said they had a great time,” according to Gibbs. The clinic was held in the  back gym here at NK and a variety of sports were played. Students participated in basketball, volleyball, and soccer matches and every one had an equal opportunity to participate.

More sports clinics held by seniors include a fundraising event held by Liam Curran. Curran’s event was a three on three basketball tournament taking place April 9, which was aimed to raise money in honor of the late Julie Maloney, mother of sophomore Ryan Maloney. Mrs. Maloney passed away in March 2014 after a long fought battle with breast cancer. She had the support of her husband and four loving children, and the many that celebrated her life at the fundraiser. “It was a lot of fun, lots of people showed up and it was good too see everyone’s support”, said Ryan Maloney. The event was open to players ages 8 to adult, and multiple teams participated in the tournament which led to very successful fundraising.

Hosting a sports clinic to meet your senior project requirements has many benefits for everyone involved. The student hosting the event is able to produce a stressful, year long academic requirement while still completely enjoying the whole process, and allowing their own interests to reflect their work. The participants get a chance to play team sports and get some exercise. Also, most importantly, the event is usually held to raise some sort of awareness or contribution to something. Senior projects are a great way to test a graduating student’s work ethic, and also a great way to strengthen the community.