By Andrew Novitski

On Friday May 14^th, what may be one of the most unique and excitingfundraisers of the year will take place in the PHS gym. That fundraiser is the Dodgeball for Diabetes Tournament. The money that is raised through the event will go to support the American Diabetes Association, which helps people with diabetes deal with everyday problems and works to support ongoing research and diabetes prevention programs. Nikki Mendelson, the organizer of the event, said that she chose diabetes because a total of 23.6 million children and adults in the United States are currently living with diabetes. According to the ADA, an added 57 million people have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes. With numbers like these, it’s safe to assume that somebody you know, whether a friend or family member, has diabetes.

Although many people agree that helping fight diabetes is a great cause in and of itself, Nikki did admit that the dodgeball idea came first. She explained to the Phoenix that the National Honor Society has always been about helping the community, but that she and the officers were looking to do something “new and exciting.” Nikki went on to tell how her and Jess Urquhart were sitting in the library when Jess said that she thought they should plan a dodgeball tournament for an organization. Almost immediately Nikki came up with the idea of hosting a “Dodgeball for Diabetes” tournament. Since then, the idea has pretty much sold itself. After only about a week since it was first announced, people had already gotten teams together. Nikki said that she really hopes the event will be big. “I get a really good feeling when I’m walking through the halls and I hear a group of kids talking about starting a team… I think a lot of people are really getting into it,” she said.

Although the idea has quickly won support, getting to this point was not easy. “It’s been a long process,” she admitted, “but in the end it will definitely be worth it.” The event will not only raise money, but it will raise awareness as a key focus of the event is on Diabetes prevention through exercise and proper nutrition. Nikki even worked on brochures that will be handed out to people who attend. Overall, many people feel the event will be a big success in all aspects.If the event goes over well, NHS plans to do it again next year and hopefully turn it into an annual event at Pomperaug High School. So, if you love the idea of a “Dodgeball for Diabetes” tournament and want to see it again year after year, make a team, get involved, cheer on your friends, and most importantly, play safe. The NHS wants you to help “dodge diabetes”!