Boys in Middle School hooped it up at the annual Hoops for Habitat extravaganza on Friday, February 20, 2026. One hundred and sixty-eight students competed in 83 games in the 3x3 basketball tournament, raising approximately $2,000 for Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake. Congratulations to the following teams that came out on top:

• 5th Grade: Donut Dunkers (Marcus P., Evan W., George Z.)
• 6th Grade: B Team (Malcom P., Reid P., Jonah H.)
• 7th Grade: Toon Squad (PJ C., Christian C., Parker D.)
• 8th Grade: Ballerz (Lance J., Neme E., Liam G.)

Additionally, 40 students hula-hooped for the cause. The finalists in that competition were Luke T. ’32, Marco F. ’30, and Elan L. ’30. Some boys opted to volunteer as scoreboard operators and concession stand merchants. 

After all the fun and games, boys participated in service projects around campus, making nearly 1,000 sandwiches for Our Daily Bread, creating 52 cards for Operation Gratitude to distribute to first responders and American servicemen around the world, and crafting 532 messages of encouragement for Baltimore Hunger Project to include in weekend backpacks that are given to children whose families struggle with food instability. Ten students continued their ongoing project work on a wooden sign for the Donald Bentley Food Pantry.

Middle School Service Learning Coordinator Brooke Thomas (who also teaches pre-k) led the Baltimore Hunger Project activity. She began each session with an introduction about food insecurity, what a food desert is, and the lack of public transportation many people have to navigate living in Baltimore. “To see so many boys engaged in creating cards and fulfilling their role so thoughtfully and with such energy, while at the same time enjoying each other's company was an incredible environment to be in,” she said. “There are going to be many children smiling on Friday afternoons in the Baltimore area, not only because of the food they pick up, but because of the cards that are included. I was so proud of the Middle School boys and so grateful to witness another example of what service learning means at Gilman.”

Middle School Math Chair Hannah Kolkin, who led Hoops for Habitat, is grateful for her fellow teachers and staff members. “This event works so well because my colleagues show up for one another. Everyone has a role and pitches in, and I know I can rely on them.”

Students were pleased with the afternoon as well, offering kind words about the friendly competition, the lively crowd, and the meaningful service experiences. One comment summed it up perfectly: “Great food, great basketball, great event.”

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We are grateful for all of the teachers who planned and coordinated the event — Hannah Kolkin, Brooke Thomas, Taushaunna Patience, Dave Anderson, Mark Lemon, and Isaiah Buchanan — the staff members who supported them — Chris Flint, Armond Lawson, Nicole Mitchell, Phyllis Pollard, Joyce Parsons, and the Buildings and Grounds team — as well as the many parents who generously volunteered their time and efforts and those who contributed food and supplies.