Romeoville School Using NCAA to Increase College Awareness

Submitted by Valley View School District 365U

Photo: Martinez varsity basketball players Maria Picazo and Michael Bunch post the names of Final Four qualifiers North Carolina and Syracuse to March Madness brackets as part of an annual college awareness activity at the Romeoville middle school.

Martinez Middle School students and staff are keeping a close eye on NCAA mens basketball tournament brackets posted in the main hallway of the school these days. But not necessarily for the reason you may think.

For the fifth straight year, the Romeoville school is using the excitement of the tournament to generate college awareness among students.

The concept is simple. On a purely optional basis (and with no gambling involved), staff members pick a team when the 64-team field is announced. They create pennants and hang them outside their classroom and proceed to share facts about their college selection with students in their classes.

Opening week of the tournament includes daily announcements about how to become a college athlete, the benefits of a post-secondary education, financial aid and how a college education improves future earnings.

Once the tournament reaches the Sweet 16 stage, brackets are posted in the main hallway with general information about the qualifiers including their location and the number of undergraduate students at the school. More details are added for Elite 8 qualifiers such as majors and campus description. And when a team reaches the Final Four even more information is posted.

“Our students are aware of nearby colleges. But many of them have never heard of some of the colleges participating in the national championship. It helps expose them to universities beyond our local radius,” said Martinez Counselor Anita Hilton. “And from year to year tournament teams change so every year it’s something fresh.”

The brainchild of Martinez Principal Sarah DeDonato, Martinez March Madness has captured the interest of both students and staff.

“It’s a nice bonding experience,” Hilton said. “The students seem to be following the team their teachers have selected. They have that camaraderie with their teachers because they want their teachers to make it to the finals.”

The winning staff member(s) will be crowned “The Smartest College Basketball Fan” at Martinez and, as a reward, will be allowed to wear blue jeans and dress in the winning college’s colors for a day.

“This has been a great idea to tap into the energy surrounding March Madness,” Hilton said.