SHERBURNE – The Sherburne-Earlville Middle School/High School PTO will host their annual Faculty and Staff vs First Responder Basketball game at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 5th at the Kevin Vibbard Court in Sherburne-Earlville High School. Spectators are invited to watch the game for a free-will donation.

The basketball game is one of many events that the PTO hosts in order to raise money for their annual activities. This year, the PTO has hosted programs for the students to boost morale and brighten days.  Some of those activities include the pick-me-up snack morning, the hot cocoa and cookie bar, popcorn day, the ice cream social, the end of year barbecue and the Utica Zoomobile. In addition, next fall, the PTO is bringing the Syracuse Symphony to perform for students in the newly renovated Sherburne-Earlville Auditorium.

“This event brings together entertainment, excitement and shows support for our first responders and school community,” said PTO President Toni Carpenter.

The Sherburne-Earlville Faculty and Staff team is coached by Kevin Vibbard Jr, a math teacher and basketball coach at Sherburne-Earlville.

“We are looking forward to another year of hosting this great community event. The past couple of years have been a lot of fun for everyone that comes out to support,” Vibbard said. 

This year’s team will look a little different than in year’s past.

Vibbard said,“The faculty lost some key members on the squad this year due to a Football Conference, but we believe we have made some good additions and hopefully find a way to put the ball in the hoop more than the first responders!”

Going against the Sherburne-Earlville Staff will be first responders from the community, lead by coach Michael Behret. In addition to coaching the team, Behret organizes the event every year.

“This is an amazing community event,” Behret said. “It is filled with fun times, smiles and a lot of laughter. This a way that the fire department can give back to a community that overwhelmingly supports us. Hope to see everyone there.” Behret is a life-long first responder, Sherburne-Earlville graduate, and father to an SE senior.

While basketball is the focus of the evening, safety was still on Behret’s mind. “The fire department would like to remind everyone to make sure your smoke detectors are present in the home and test them regularly,” he said.

The PTO welcomes everyone to pack the stands and show their support for both teams. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. with tip off taking place at 6 p.m.