Students, teachers, and police officers packed the gym at Conrady Junior High School on Feb. 28, for the school’s annual BBash—a high-energy basketball showdown between staff, first responders, and eighth-graders.
The event, part of Conrady’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports program, rewards students for good behavior, strong attendance, and academic success. This year’s BBash featured a spirited contest as the eighth-grade boys’ and girls’ basketball teams faced off against staff members, North Palos firefighters and Hickory Hills police officers, including the school’s Student Resource Officer, Detective Michael Franks.
“It’s incredible to see our students having so much fun while celebrating their hard work,” said Assistant Principal Dorita McCabe. “We have the best kids—academically, behaviorally—you can just feel their energy.”
Eighth-grade teacher Frank Mateja, serving as the announcer, kept the crowd entertained with his lively commentary, cracking jokes, hyping up big plays, and even calling out “air ball!” after missed shots to the delight of the packed bleachers.
BBash wasn’t just about basketball—students in the stands had their own moments in the spotlight. Musical chairs, relay races, and even surprise challenges against staff members kept the excitement going. Some lucky students even scored VIP seating, complete with pizza and prime views of the action.
Parent Mariam Shihadeh, who attended to support her son, Yousef, said the event was about more than just the game. “This is what makes a school feel like a community. The staff, the students—everyone is here for each other, and it’s wonderful to see.”
On the court, the competition was fierce but filled with laughs and good sportsmanship. The staff won the first round, the students took the second, and then the scoreboard was forgotten as everyone played just for fun.
Social worker Erika Diaz said she couldn’t pick a side. “I mean, I have to root for both the students and the staff, right?” she joked. “But really, it’s just awesome to see everyone come together like this.”
As the final buzzer sounded, BBash wrapped up with its most anticipated tradition—staff members taking turns getting pied in the face.
“This is what it’s all about,” said Hickory Hills Police Chief Adam Gulczynski. “We’re not just here to enforce rules—we’re part of this community. Events like this let us connect with students in a way that really matters.”
But perhaps the biggest crowd reaction of the day? Detective Michael Franks (Conrady’s on-site law enforcement officer) and eighth-grade teacher Frank Mateja both ended up with pies to the face, thanks to some very excited students. The gym erupted in cheers as they wiped off the whipped cream, shaking their heads and laughing.
Conrady teacher Megan Patti, who helped organize the event, said BBash is more than just a game—it’s an incentive and a tradition. “We had 350 kids here today, 35 staff members, plus police and fire personnel jumping in,” she said. “It’s a ton of work, but when you see the joy in this gym? It’s worth every second.”
North Palos Fire Protection District’s Steve Norillis echoed that sentiment. “We love being involved in events like this. Playing basketball with the students and staff, building relationships—it’s just a great way to give back.”
Dr. Christine Droba, superintendent of North Palos School District 117, emphasized the teamwork that makes BBash a success. “In North Palos School District 117, we are committed to recognizing and celebrating student success and fostering a positive and engaging learning environment,” she said. “Basketball Bash (BBash) is a special event that allows us to celebrate our students. Our staff members do an incredible job planning multiple events throughout the year, including BBash. We are grateful for the strong partnership that we have with our local first responders, which allowed us to coordinate such a wonderful event for our students.”
With school spirit at an all-time high, BBash delivered a winning mix of competition, camaraderie, and pure fun—ending in laughter, cheers, and a whole lot of pie-covered faces, including one very surprised detective.
