The energy in the gym was electric, but the excitement wasn't just about the competition on the court. Our Play It Forward basketball tournament proved to be a tremendous success, showing exactly what is possible when the Lake Mary Prep community unites for a meaningful cause. Every pass, basket, and cheer contributed to something much bigger than the game itself. Impact by the Numbers Our students and faculty stepped up in a major way, demonstrating that our school’s commitment to service is stronger than ever. Together, we were able to crush our goals and provide significant support to our community partners: $2,200+ Raised: These funds will go directly toward supporting impactful initiatives and organizations. 161 Pairs of Shoes Collected: These donations were gathered for GROW Healthy Kids, helping provide essential footwear to children in need. Strengthening Our Community Through SEL This event was a cornerstone of Lake Mary Prep's Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) initiatives. By participating in Play It Forward, our students are doing more than just playing a game; they are practicing empathy, social awareness, and relationship skills. These initiatives are designed for all our students to help them understand their role in a larger community and the positive impact they can have on the world around them. Supporting Resilience and Lifelong Wellness The choice to partner with GROW Healthy Kids allowed our community to contribute to a vital mission that aligns with our own goals for student well-being. Since 2015, GROW Healthy Kids has worked to increase access to physical activity and healthy living for vulnerable youth. By using trauma-informed, movement-based experiences, they help children build resilience, connection, and lifelong wellness. Providing these shoes is a small but critical step in ensuring that more children have the opportunity to participate in the physical activities that lead to a healthier future. A Community United for Change We are incredibly proud of the way our Griffins showed up with heart and commitment. This tournament served as a vivid reminder of what we can accomplish when we combine our passions with a purpose. A huge thank you goes out to everyone who played, donated, and cheered from the bleachers. Your generosity and spirit made the Play It Forward tournament an unforgettable success, and we love to do things like this where the whole school comes together. We call it OneLMP.
