Kevin Toland Memorial Basketball Tournament

1. Kevin Toland Memorial Basketball Tournament Manassas Park High School

2. Mr.Kevin Toland • Mr.Kevin Toland began his first year at Manassas Park High School in the fall of 2014 • His formal position was as a teacher assistant but he was more than that • He performed other duties in the school including being a student outreach coach, mentor and self-declared hallway monitor • Everyday, he would patrol the hallways, picking up anyone who was going to be late to class and escorting them • He would also pick up repeat offenders from their classrooms and make sure they made it to their next class on time on what he called the “Toland Train” • It was also his first year as the men’s varsity basketball coach

3. His Impact On Students • Mr Toland was special to so many because he was the go to teacher for life • You would always spot him during lunches sitting with students and talking about anything with them • He loved bowties and inspired “bowtie friday” at our school • He would always greet everyone, stranger or friend, with a warm smile and a firm handshake • He found time to be with students who needed someone to listen to them and would always offer advice on whatever they were facing

4. The Day That Changed Us All • 3 months into the school year, Mr. Toland was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer • He took some time off to undergo treatment and came back one day for a surprise visit • Due to his illness and treatment, he was bound to a wheelchair and he had aged quite a bit • Students could still feel the warmth in his smile, the light in his eyes and the strength of his handshake • About a month after his visit, we were informed that Mr Toland had passed away in the hospital surrounded by his family • A gloom fell over the school as we mourned the death of our beloved teacher

5. The Legacy That He Left Behind • To show support for our beloved Mr Toland, we organized a basketball tournament and candlelight vigil • All proceeds from the tournament went to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation • We also got in contact with various alumni who had been touched by Mr Toland to participate • The candlelight vigil was held inside the school where students were able to share their experiences with Mr Toland • Students then filled the gym wearing purple, Mr Toland’s favorite color, to compete against each other • Teams of students from each class including teachers and alumni were able to play against each other • It was a great night, and we had raised nearly $1500 to be donated • A few weeks later, we received a letter from the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation in which they thanked us for our contribution

6. The Kevin Toland Memorial Basketball Tournament • This school year, we will be hosting our 2nd Toland Tournament • To increase attendance and funds raised, we will be advertising to students and staffs continuously before the event. • We will also be including people in and outside of our community who are victims or loved ones in the tournament • We plan on reaching a donation goal of $1800 to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation that will be used to impact the lives of many more.

7. Suggestions for Implementation • Sports tournaments can be very valuable tools for contributing to organizations, no matter the sport or organization • Tournaments, such as our Toland Tournament, are a great way to bring the community together as well as fundraise for a great cause • Making the tournament unique to your school will help it gain popularity and become a memorable one • Be sure to start advertising for the event as soon as possible especially because teams must sign up beforehand • Also try to reach out to the organization you’re school is fundraising for even if it seems way out of your league, they may be interested in promoting your event.