The Sanford Pride Elementary gymnasium was once again filled with excitement and community spirit on Thursday, March 12, as teachers and staff faced off against local first responders in a charity basketball game uniting all three elementary schools in the district. The third annual Staff vs. First Responders basketball game drew a large, loud, and fully engaged crowd of students, parents, and community members who packed the bleachers to cheer on both teams. Adding a special touch to the evening, members of Carl J. Lamb Elementary's show choir performed the national anthem prior to tip-off, setting the tone for the night ahead. "As a teacher who had the opportunity to play in this game, it was incredible to see our entire community come together in support of such a great cause," said Sanford Pride Fourth Grade Teacher Dan Fernandez. "Thank you to the Sanford Maine Police Department and all of the other first responders who took the time to come out and play alongside the teachers and other staff. Your participation helped make the event truly special for everyone involved. Looking forward to next year." The game featured teachers and staff members from across Sanford's elementary schools competing against a team of local police officers, firefighters, and other emergency personnel. Carl J. Lamb’s show choir came back out onto the court again for a special performance during halftime. While the first responders ultimately took home the first-place trophy, the real win was the incredible school spirit in the stands. Sanford Police Chief Eric Small spoke to the spirit of the evening: "This event is a great community tradition that our officers look forward to each year. It's always great to see our teachers and first responders come together under one roof for a night of fun and community spirit." "The crowd was large, loud, and fully engaged, which made for a great atmosphere," Chief Small added. "Sanford really does know how to come together for a good time. On behalf of the Police Department, thank you to everyone who played and to all who came out to support the game. We appreciate our community showing up to cheer on the players." Funds raised during the event will support PTA initiatives across all three elementary schools, directly benefiting students through additional resources, activities, and educational opportunities throughout the year.

Sanford Elementary Schools Unite With First Responders For Charity Basketball Game

Sanford School Department

March 16, 2026

The Sanford Pride Elementary gymnasium was once again filled with excitement and community spirit on Thursday, March 12, as teachers and staff faced off against local first responders in a charity basketball game uniting all three elementary schools in the district.

The third annual Staff vs. First Responders basketball game drew a large, loud, and fully engaged crowd of students, parents, and community members who packed the bleachers to cheer on both teams. Adding a special touch to the evening, members of Carl J. Lamb Elementary's show choir performed the national anthem prior to tip-off, setting the tone for the night ahead.

"As a teacher who had the opportunity to play in this game, it was incredible to see our entire community come together in support of such a great cause," said Sanford Pride Fourth Grade Teacher Dan Fernandez. "Thank you to the Sanford Maine Police Department and all of the other first responders who took the time to come out and play alongside the teachers and other staff. Your participation helped make the event truly special for everyone involved. Looking forward to next year."

The game featured teachers and staff members from across Sanford's elementary schools competing against a team of local police officers, firefighters, and other emergency personnel. Carl J. Lamb’s show choir came back out onto the court again for a special performance during halftime. While the first responders ultimately took home the first-place trophy, the real win was the incredible school spirit in the stands.

"This is our third year and is spearheaded by the elementary schools PTA.  They make all this happen.  I think this event is important because it shows parents and students that first responders and teachers are more than just our roles," Sanford School Resource Officer Joe Jourdain said.  "We can all laugh and have fun while coming together to support our students.  I like being part of this because you can see the kids in the audience see the teachers and first responders in a different light.  Working with the kids in the school, I heard for months afterwards about how cool the game was and how this or that person was their favorite."

Sanford Police Chief Eric Small spoke to the spirit of the evening: "This event is a great community tradition that our officers look forward to each year. It's always great to see our teachers and first responders come together under one roof for a night of fun and community spirit."

"The crowd was large, loud, and fully engaged, which made for a great atmosphere," Chief Small added. "Sanford really does know how to come together for a good time. On behalf of the Police Department, thank you to everyone who played and to all who came out to support the game. We appreciate our community showing up to cheer on the players."

Funds raised during the event will support PTA initiatives across all three elementary schools, directly benefiting students through additional resources, activities, and educational opportunities throughout the year.