Smiles, laughter and good times were everywhere as Liberty High held its annual Hoopin’ for Heroes event Friday in the school’s gym.
Sponsored by the LHS Fuse Together Club, the festivities included a pair of basketball games with Bedford County’s law enforcement members and first responders, who were coached by Sheriff Mike Miller, taking on LHS teachers and coaches and a team of students from the LHS Unified Club Sports special education program and other volunteers.
“It’s a great event,” said LHS Principal Justin Tucker. “The community comes out, there’s tons and tons of donations from different businesses that pay for the t-shirts and the food for the athletes. It’s just a great opportunity because a lot of these kids might not be on one of our other athletic teams, so it’s a fun night for them to be a part of something. … It will be a fun night.”
Tucker was playing on the teachers squad along with girls basketball coach Justin Waldron and LHS Athletic Director Aaron Haigler, among others.
“Playing is a loose word,” said Tucker with a laugh. “I’m here and I’m going to try. Me and basketball don’t get along, but I’m going to try my best.”
Even though scores were kept for both games, there was nothing but winners over the three of so hours.