In the spirit of giving, students at Southampton Middle School have embraced a unique initiative to aid those in need within their community. Through basketball and teamwork, they have transformed March Madness into an opportunity for compassion. The program, titled "Hoops 4 a Home," has become a cornerstone of generosity since its inception in 2017. By organizing fundraising events, these young participants contribute significantly to Harford Family House, which offers emergency housing and essential services to families and individuals without homes.

This year's efforts resulted in an impressive $31,000 donation, marking the second-largest contribution in the school’s history. To celebrate this achievement, students participated in a friendly shootout competition. Eighth-grader Ashley Hammen emerged victorious after showcasing her moonwalk skills, raising an astonishing $2,500 in just over two weeks. Her classmate, Cole Tepper, who raised $2,200, expressed his desire to bring joy to those needing shelter. Teachers also joined the festivities, allowing top fundraisers from each grade to engage in pie-smashing antics with their favorite educators.

The event concluded with a memorable finale as Ashley and Cole treated their physical education teachers to an unexpected transformation into ice cream sundaes. Beyond the fun, this initiative instills values of empathy and responsibility among the students. Their actions reflect how youthful energy can drive impactful change, proving that collective effort and creativity can make a significant difference in addressing societal challenges such as homelessness. These students demonstrate that even small communities can foster immense kindness and solidarity when united under a common cause.