Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy (HBHA) held its annual Basketball Senior Night celebration this past week.

This event occurs at the end of every basketball season at HBHA and serves as both a celebration of the graduating seniors on each basketball team and a night of recognition for each team’s dedication to the sport. It celebrated not only the senior’s seasons, but also the dedication and work each of them put into their team, with many of them serving as team captains.

The night, fully planned by HBHA student council’s community outreach committee and Director of Athletics and Student Life Sam Matsil, was also open to Jewish teen youth groups across the Kansas City Jewish community, from BBYO to USY to KCteen. The multi-denominational invitation ensured a large student section for the Rams, leading to lots of audience interaction throughout the game.

Both the Varsity girls and Varsity boys were up against the Guadalupe Centers High School Aztecs from Kansas City, Missouri. Both teams were able to come out with a victory, with the Varsity girls defeating their opponents with a score of 61-17, and the Varsity boys winning 58-45.

Senior Night also celebrates each senior’s work and dedication to their teams. The celebration this year included games, a halftime performance from HBHA’s cheer team, a pieing contest of school administrators, and the Senior Night celebration itself.

During the celebration, each senior was able to walk down the “stage” (the basketball court) accompanied by their parents as Matsil narrated to the crowd of parents, classmates, teachers and community members about each senior’s impact on their team and plans for after graduation. He also included personal messages about each senior’s contribution to the basketball program at HBHA.

There was also a video dedicated to the seniors that was compiled by HBHA’s student council. The video was filled with messages for each senior of love and support from previous coaches, teachers, parents, siblings and friends.

HBHA’s intent for Senior Night is to share appreciation for what the dedication and effort a student’s four years on a team can do for every single one of its players. The school worked to ensure that each senior was recognized and applauded for their years of service to the athletic program at HBHA and the school as a whole.