Teachers Face Off in Pickleball Tournament for Charity

A little friendly competition brought the Smithtown school community together for a good cause as the Smithtown High School East and High School West Interact Clubs teamed up to host their first East vs. West Pickleball Tournament for Charity.

The event took place Nov. 10 at The Picklr in Centereach, bringing together more than 16 teams made up of 32 teachers representing schools across the district's grade levels.

The afternoon featured plenty of competition on the courts, but the bigger goal was giving back to the community. Participants were grouped by ability into two divisions, D1 and D2, with each team guaranteed at least four games before the playoffs began.

When the competition wrapped up, two teams emerged as division champions, each earning charitable winnings to donate to a cause of their choice.

In Division 1, George Alamis of Smithtown East teamed up with Joseph Petre of Dogwood Elementary School to capture first place. The pair selected The West Islip Breast Cancer Society as the beneficiary of their winnings.

Division 2 honors went to Michael Comechero and Danielle Bambola of Mount Pleasant Elementary School. The champions chose the Ronald McDonald House to receive their charitable winnings.

The tournament offered teachers an opportunity to step away from their usual school-day routines, connect with colleagues from across the district and enjoy some friendly competition outside the classroom.

With its combination of school spirit, competition and charitable giving, the inaugural tournament gave the Smithtown community a new event to rally around—and a strong foundation for a possible return to the courts next year.