At right: Mackinaw City Public Schools first and second graders battled it out on the school basketball court Monday, March 22. Pictured (back row, from left) are Ty Belleville, Joey Rizzardi, Michael Gofourth, Mason Darrow, Joseph Lieghio, Nolan LaLonde, and Anthony Lieghio; (middle row) Niana Hughey, Ariel Durant, Kyra Cryderman, Lauren Backus, Calysta Bell, Chloe Cooley, and Brooke Whipkey; (front row) Jenna Prevo, Jenna Wiertalla, Evan Cronk, Aaron Straus, Mason Smith, Rose Siebigteroth, and Elena Alexander. Not pictured is Rosie Downing. Juking around each other, swiftly passing to teammates, and occasionally traveling, the first and second graders of Mackinaw City Public Schools participated in a rousing basketball game Monday, March 22, to raise money for their trip to Wilderness State Park in April. Parents were entertained as they watched their children scoot along the court, shooting at basketball hoops that loomed high above them.

The game, which has been held every year at the school for nearly 35 years, enjoyed a healthy turnout. The new live auction was a boon to the children's cause, raking in enough money to pay for the trip, teachers Karen Valot and Ronnie Budzinski said. People bid enthusiastically on bird and bat houses, plates of chocolate, and gift baskets. The game raised $183 at the door, while the auction raised $509.

By the time the final buzzer rang out, the scoreboard revealed the teams were tied at 12 points. The children seemed less interested in learning who had won than in the juice and cookies waiting for them after the game.