The Education Foundation Club of Bridgewater-Raritan High School held its first-ever volleyball tournament, bringing students together to finish the week on a high note on Friday, April 10.

The Education Foundation Club is a student-run group that supports the Education Foundation of Bridgewater-Raritan, a nonprofit organization that provides grants to teachers and scholarships to students, funded by donations and fundraising events. The Education Foundation of Bridgewater-Raritan includes school district administrators, staff members, board of education members, and residents on its Board of Trustees.

The high school club was founded by juniors Ishan Joshi and Becca Kimmins at the end of the 2024-2025 school year, but has since expanded significantly.

Ishan elaborated on the thought process behind organizing the club’s volleyball tournament, which drew a spirited, enthusiastic crowd to Bridgewater-Raritan High School’s Vaughn Stapleton Gymnasium. 

“The goal of this event was to advertise our club’s mission while obtaining money and donations for the Education Foundation for grants and scholarships,” he said.

The gymnasium was filled with numerous gift baskets and prizes that were donated by local merchants, while a concession table sold pizza, snacks and drinks. A Kona Ice truck also made an appearance.

Members of the high school’s volleyball teams and coaches pitched in to serve as judges and officials, while senior Matt Harrison delivered his robust announcements over the PA system, and music blared.

The tournament featured a field of 12 six-player teams, including Shadow Clones, Brown Ops, Spike Team 6, Los Free Ballers, The Sandlers, The Chipmunks, Chewblockas, Team Ishan, La Pandilla, YSL, White Chocolate, and The Avengers.

The bracket separated the teams into four divisions of three teams each, with only one team from each division advancing to the second and semiinal rounds. The lineup for the second round consisted of Los Free Ballers from Division 1, Brown Ops from Division 2, Chewblockas from Division 3 and White Chocolate from Division 4.

In the semifinals, Brown Ops defeated Los Free Ballers 15-10, and Chewblockas advanced with a similarly lopsided 15-6 win. 

The final round was a tight matchup, but the Chewblockas pulled ahead slightly for a 15-13 victory to end the entertaining night. Representing the Chewblockas were Harshith Nemani, Vikram Pedapudi, Manas Gumedelli, Gurucharan Mannur, Nish Brahmbatt and Corbin Jiminez.

A theme competition also took place, with Spike Team 6 taking the title of the best-dressed team of the night.

Education Foundation volunteers slingshotting tee-shirts into the crowd during the volleyball tournament.

As the event drew to a close, Ishan and Rebecca reflected on the tournament’s turnout.

“Being part of organizing this tournament, it was amazing to see everything come together so successfully,” Rebecca said. “We have great attendance from our spectators and inspiring sportsmanship from our players! The energy, teamwork, and support from students made all our hard work worthwhile, and we couldn’t be prouder of how the event turned out!”

“The event was a great success, and we are more than pleased with the result of the event,” Ishan added. 

Ishan then shared his aspirations and vision for the club’s future.

“I hope the club is able to stay active,” he said, “to continue providing grants and scholarships for the teachers and students, and for the club to leave a long-lasting legacy on the school.”

Kemmuel Santosh, a junior who played on the Chipmunks team for the night, spoke about his experience at the event.

“The volleyball tournament was definitely an amazing experience where everyone was able to come together and connect,” he said. “The club was able to bring some school spirit and connection through this event, which is exactly what they wish to do through their grants and fundraisers.”

Looking ahead, the Education Foundation of Bridgewater-Raritan plans to hold its third annual golf outing at Fox Hollow Golf Club in Branchburg, on Thursday, July 9. This golf outing is the Education Foundation’s major fundraiser of the year.