By Jeff Stapleton
Students at Bowling Green Elementary School were in for a treat Wednesday morning March 7th as a self proclaimed “recovering teacher” entertained in the school’s cafeteria. Eric Litwin is the original author of the first four “Pete The Cat” books. He also has written other children’s books including “The Nuts,” and “Groovy Joe”.
Litwin, who brought his guitar, stressed music and movement during his two performances. Before his first song, he told the kids that he could play a wide variety of music including folk, country, blues, or rock and roll all while strumming a rhythm corresponding to that type of music. During the rock ‘n’ roll strumming, Litwin apologized when he yelled out, “Oh Yeah!”. “I’m sorry. My bad. I had a flashback and thought I was back in college playing at my favorite establishment enjoying chicken wings and beverages,” at which the kids screamed with delight.
During the first song, “Strong Mama”, Litwin instructed the kids to look at their teachers, wave their finger and say “No No No”. He then instructed the teachers to wave their finger higher, while saying “No No No” louder to the kids while waving their other hand in the air for emphasis. Litwin had the students and teachers participating in the lively call and response.
The next song drew another excited reaction from the kids. Before playing “Pete The Cat And His Four Groovy and effort. The end of the first 8 minutes saw the teachers go out to a 12-3 lead. The students outscored the teachers in the second eight minute segment 15-4. The game was even in the third eight minute segment and the score was tied at 22 at the break.
The fourth eight minute segment proved to be the difference in the game as the teachers outscored the students 19-10. They held on to win 53-46. With less than a minute to go in the game, the coach of the students emptied his bench. That meant that all 36 students were on the floor at the same time going against the 5 teachers who were playing. The three referees who worked this charity game decided against blowing their whistles.
This was the third year that Bowling Green Elementary School has hosted a Teachers vs. Students basketball game. The night brought in a little over 700 dollars. In addition, the Bowling Green Elementary Beta Club sold concessions and also donated $150 to the American Heart Association. The campaign to raise money occurred throughout the year with students and parents chipping in. The school was able to reach the goal of raising $6,000 for the cause.
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