McCoy graduating students faced off against teachers and staff during an inaugural hockey game to raise funds for Mission Mexico, an outreach founded by the MHCBE in 2022.--NEWS PHOTO BRENDAN MILLER
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com
Dozens of graduating students at Monsignor McCoy High School took part in a charity hockey game against their teachers to raise funds for Mission Mexico, an outreach charity founded by the Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education to support health and human rights projects Guerrero, a state in southern Mexico.
Ticket sales from the two-period matchup will go to support the division outreach that allows students to travel to Mexico and participate in building schools and housing, as well as support literacy, health care and the development of micro-economic self-help projects in developing communities.
MHCBE educators and staff were able to take victory in the inaugural matchup 8-4 against students in a dual-game that featured a half-period component of ringette.
“It’s good for the kids, it’s why we are here supporting them,” said Mr. Koch at St. Mary’s School. “That’s a big milestone for them, with their graduation coming up, it’s fun to share that with them and celebrate.”
The high-scoring game was the first the division has hosted between students and teachers, and some students did not hold back on their teachers.
“It was fun playing against the teachers,” said Tate Bowal. “Finally getting to see what they’ve been talking about in class and how good they were growing up…
“But definitely some, they surprised me, it was definitely fun.
“Me and Mr. Sehn just settled some serious beef, but now we’re good,” joked ringette player Sophie Kerr after the game.
Kerr sits on student council and says the match brought awareness to Catholic students’ efforts in giving back to others in need.
“I think we’ve really put it to the forefront by having this game,” explains Kerr. “Really making sure everyone knows that this is what the game is for, it’s dedicated to Mission Mexico and the awareness behind it. Using what we have in this first-world country to help other people, it’s just really good and we like that everybody came together for it.”
Jaxon Daniels told the News he was inspired to play in Tuesday’s game after travelling as a humanitarian with Mission Mexico last year.
“Being from a third-world country in Africa, I Just wanted to go and be able to see what the life I lived. and be able to give these kids inspiration,” says Daniels. “We got there, it was so scary getting to see all the little kids, but then in a minute, they’re all coming up to you, hugging you.”
Daniels said the trip has left a lasting impression, and says he hopes to return to Mexico to continue humanity efforts after graduation.
“It really opened my heart. Eventually by the end, when we had to leave, I was balling my eyes out. I want to go back, I promised a kid I’ll be back, and if God willing, I’ll be back to Mexico.”
“I think it’s really big for our school, being able to give back to the family and community in Mexico,” Bowal adds. “I think it’s an awesome initiative, being able to help them out as a Catholic school … I think it’s just awesome for us to be able to give back in this way, especially doing something we love in hockey.”
