The third annual Student Government Advisory dodgeball tournament was held recently at Bill Paulik Court at Salisbury High School.

Coordinated by Guidance Counselor and SGA Advisor Michael Anderson, this year's event had several twists.

First, SGA invited area high schools to compete in the tournament.

Southern Lehigh High School and Whitehall High School accepted the challenge.

Another twist was the presentation of a check to The Keystone Wounded Warriors, represented by Marine Sergeant E-5 Paul Spurgen, of Blandon.

In January, student government members conducted a coin competition raising $500 to benefit The Keystone Wounded Warriors.

Also, opening the tournament were the Celtic United Pipes and Drums who added a donation so SGA could present $1,000 to The Keystone Wounded Warriors.

Following the presentation, the Celtic United Pipes and Drums performed "Going Home," a fallen soldier bagpipe tribute.

Drum Major Steve LaBadie, of Wind Gap, who has approximately 40 members in the group, was pleased to perform at this ceremony.

"We are contributing partners to The Keystone Wounded Warriors," LaBadie said. "We make it a point to go out to any military, police or fire funerals."

"The Keystone Wounded Warriors aids our armed service members by raising public awareness and seeking the public's support for programs and services assisting injured servicemen and women," Anderson said. "Funds donated to The Keystone Wounded Warriors are used to support local post-9/11 veterans and their families located in or with ties to Pennsylvania. The remaining funds are donated to national post-9/11 wounded veterans organizations."

Spurgen said "how impressive of a pre-tournament ceremony it was."

Spurgen co-founded The Keystone Wounded Warriors six years ago. He talks to 3,000 people a year.

"Out of the 1,000 events I've attended, I've never seen the pipers or the "Going Home" song performed," Spurgen said. "For me as a Marine, that choked me up. The patriotism and participation by everyone there– players, fans and parents was awesome. Everyone was very much into the cermoney; usually I don't see that."

Spurgen presented a plaque to the school, an American linen hand embroidered in the United States.

A total of 14 teams participated in the non-sanctioned PIAA, Colonial League or Eastern Pennsylvania Conference event.

The high school chorus led the crowd in "The Star Spangled Banner."

Refreshments, a raffle and music by DJ Myc were all a part of this very successful event which raised $870 for SGA. The money will be used for SGA to present three $250 scholarships to seniors.

Whitehall High School's dodgeball team, the "Dark Dynamic Dodging Devils" took first place in the tournament. Second place was Salisbury High School's "Shamrocks."

Anderson said feedback from participating schools was very good.

"They are already making plans for next year," Anderson said.

Editor's Note: Additional photos from the event can be found on our website at www.thesalisburypress.com.