It takes a village to raise a ... basketball team

  All of us have heard the proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child." I am so thankful for the numerous people in my village who have helped raise my children. My own children are better people because of the caring, involved people in our community.

  At a recent year-end basketball banquet, I became aware of the "village" that had helped raise some outstanding young student athletes. There were many caring, involved people who wanted what was best for these young men. There are many adults in our Yuma village who work very diligently to help parents raise responsible, contributing members of society. I want to pay tribute to our local village members.

  The coach is a true village leader! Young men look up to this person for both basketball instruction and someone to emulate. This person teaches basketball skills, but more importantly, teaches character, honesty and integrity.

  A contract was sent home by our coach at the beginning of the season. Coach Bosch emphasized the following:

  - Integrity: Do what is right when others are around and when nobody is watching.

  - Use of alcohol and drugs is not allowed.

  - Fighting is never tolerated.

  - Be someone who wants to improve.

  - Keep your grades up.

  - Have character to finish what you start.

  - Obscene language will not be tolerated.

  - Treat others with courtesy.

  - Never degrade your opponent, and speak highly of your teammates.

  - Have a good attitude and strong work ethic.

  Interestingly, none of these rules really had anything to do with improving specific basketball skills. The rules had a lot to do with improving young men!

  I appreciate the school staff that generously volunteered long hours after school to keep score, run the clock and take stats. I was so impressed with the photographer who graciously showed up to take pictures of our boys' game after game.

  I was so grateful to the booster members who sold hot dogs, candy and soda. They organized fundraisers and volunteered their time for the benefit of the young men. A special part of our village was the many grandparents, aunts and uncles, and neighbors who bought cookie dough and barbecue tickets.

  I was more than a little impressed by the referee who stayed after the game to speak with one of the players. He wanted to tell a specific young man why he had called a couple of fouls on him. He wanted to explain to and teach the young man how to be a more effective player.

  I so appreciate the parents who came to the games. It is not easy to leave work early or fit another activity on the family calendar. The siblings who came to games need to be congratulated.

  Some of the younger siblings were so invested in the program, they became the team ballboys! There is nothing more exciting than to see entire families supporting each other.

  A big cheer must go to the spirit line for the support given the team. The gym would have looked empty without the banners and posters and boys' names hung on the walls. Their involvement in the school is an essential part of the pride we take in our programs.

  The local businesses in the community have donated generously to these boys so that they can travel and purchase the equipment they need. Oh yeah, teams are always asking for money! Our local businesses offer support with smiles on their faces.

  The local college sent their own basketball players to work halftime shows and sell raffle tickets. The head basketball coach was at the barbecue fundraiser supporting the local high school. Additionally, the head football coach helped with fundraising events and said to the boys, "Thank you for letting me help!"

  Many studies have shown that when parents and families become involved in their children’s schools, their children do better. When local community members become involved in schools, they can act as role models and provide an additional layer of support and inspiration for students.

  There are numerous benefits from well-implemented school and community partnership programs. They include increased student attendance, higher achievement and report-card grades, a sense of greater security, fewer behavioral problems and an increase in positive attitudes about school and homework.

  I am thankful to the many people who support our local youth. It really does take a village!

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Christina Hawkey is a professor family studies at Arizona Western College. She can be reached at 317-6421 or christina.hawkey@azwestern.edu.