THS Personal Communications Class Hosts Annual Dodgeball Tournament

THS Personal Communications Class Hosts Annual Dodgeball Tournament, Raises $14,000 for Sheriff PAL Program

The Troy High Personal Communications Class held their annual Dodgeball Tournament for Charity supporting Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard’s PAL program (Police Athletic League) which builds positive relationships through recreation, mentoring and sports. Competition was fierce, with the senior team declaring victory----but everyone was a winner, though, as the event raised $14,500 for the kids at PAL. Said Sheriff Bouchard: “The program helps us connect with young people so they see us as a friend, mentor or ally, and deepen those relationships over time, growing trust and filling some of the voids.”

According to Lauren Fuller, PAL Executive Director: “Our mission is to provide a high-quality experience. We make sure our kids feel excited and optimistic about their place in the world-- about what they can do and can change--unlocking their potential through play.” “Sports helps with competition, etiquette, confidence, teamwork, and gives them an opportunity to come here and just be kids and play.” continued Bouchard. The volunteers at PAL deeply believe that opportunities for relationship-building and high-quality sports should be available to everyone. No fine print, no asterisk, no exceptions; that’s what they stand by, and that’s why THS’ Personal Communications class chose them this year as the recipient.

“When it came close to the day and seeing all my peers helping out with setting up, it made me feel grateful that our Personal Communications class could be here for PAL and will always continue to help others,” said Troy High junior Mariam Salem. “In my eyes any type of act for charity--no matter what--will always be an act of kindness, which is one of our school's core values that we use daily. I am very thankful for this opportunity and wish to always help someone as impactful!”

What can you do? “You can volunteer your time, register your kids, or give donations. All of that helps; all of that is necessary. What you see is the manifestation of that type of investment, giving kids a chance to be part of a team, and part of something really great,” continued Fuller. “It is a tremendous blessing to have the support from Troy High School students, families and staff. The time, love and energy that students put forth to make this project a reality is a true testament to the priorities of the Troy School District and Troy High School. ” Troy High’s Personal Communications students' generous donation ensures that PAL can bring high-quality sports and recreation experiences to children in our community at no cost to families.

And PAL’s goals are lofty: To provide more opportunities for young women in sports, to double the number of children they serve, to develop their tiniest athletes so they develop a lifelong love of being active, and to be sure every child has access to a caring coach, and the chance to belong. This work is immense but achievable. “We need high-quality collaboration, community sponsorships, volunteerism of your time and talent, advocacy to bring others to our cause, and of course financial assistance,” concluded Bouchard. And at the end of the day, it really is all about the kids. “We are teaching kids how to compete and win in the game of life,” added Tony Howard, PAL Basketball Program Director. And by thinking and acting outside themselves Troy High students are learning the lifelong lesson of how to care for others.

To donate to the program, become a volunteer, or for more information, visit https://sheriffpal.com/.

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