Bethpage Brings Energy, Heart To Autism Acceptance Dodgeball Tournament, Raising More Than $4K

JFK Middle School repeats as champs while the event raised funds for the Extended School Year Program.

By Melanie Gulbas, Patch Staff

Apr 27, 2026 4:18 pm EDT

JFK Middle School once again claimed victory, defending its title and taking home the coveted tournament plaque. (Photos courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District)

BETHPAGE, NY — Bethpage's John F. Kennedy Middle School has defended its title at the annual districtwide Autism Acceptance Faculty Dodgeball Tournament.

The 9th annual tournament on April 23 was held at Bethpage High School, with staff members from the five district schools competing.

T-shirts were designed. / Photos courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District

Bethpage High School, JFK Middle School, Charles Campagne Elementary School, Central Boulevard Elementary School, and Kramer Lane Elementary School all took part in the event, raising money and awareness.

Families and friends cheered on the competing staff members during the tournament.

The event raised $4,323 for the district's Extended School Year Program, which is a summer social that brings together ESY students with special needs for a day at Bethpage High School in August with activities and games, such as volleyball and bowling.

All five schools came to compete and raise money for a cause. / Photos courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District

Staff from the schools competed. (Photos courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District)

Teams created matching shirts for the tournament. (Photos courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District)

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