Troy Teachers Battle on Basketball Court For Best of Causes

In a heated contest, teachers from William B. Orenic toppled their counterparts from Troy Middle School, 77-71.

Sstudents, staff and families packed the WBO gym for the annual Battle of the Buildings basketball game fundraiser last Friday.

“We were able to raise $850 for the ‘Make Your Mark Foundation’ and three WBO students,” according to Adam DeGroot, the boys physical education teacher at William B. Orenic.

The foundation is named for Mark Staehely, a Troy student who died of pediatric cancer.

High energy and cheers burned through the gymnasium as students from both schools cheered on their teachers.

Troy Superintendent Don White said he wouldn’t be surprised if they had to turn people away. He explained that this is such a popular event that they have reached the maximum capacity in past years.

In addition to the foundation, a portion of the proceeds went to three critically ill William B. Orenic students. The funds are to help with the treatment and care.

 “Never lose your faith,” Staehely said echoing a mantra now posted on the foundation Website makeyourmark7.org.

While Staehely received treatment at Children's Memorial Hospital, he created the Treasure Chest Program. It is now expanded to Northwestern Memorial Hospital and St. Joseph Medical Center.

Thanks to Mark, children undergoing radiation therapy can go to the chest to get a toy anytime any day when they are feeling bad. The only requirement Mark established was that the patients had to be children.

"After spending almost every holiday in the fall and winter of 2000 in the hospital, including Christmas, and being faced the sadness of those hospitalized, he took it upon himself every Christmas after that to collect toys, movies, and video games and bring them to those hospitalized over the holidays," the Website says.

Over the years, Troy students have participated in other fundraising events for the Make Your Mark Foundation. During the holidays, students have collected toys, White said.