A high-flying, slam-dunking, rim-rattling basketball show is coming to Belvidere

SUBMITTED PHOTO Belvidere Daily Republican
The Harlem Wizards basketball team will visit Belvidere High School to raise money to fund projects at the school

The world-famous Harlem Wizards will visit Belvidere High School on Thursday, April 19 at 7 p.m., for an evening of great fun and fundraising. The Wizards will play a game against a team of District 100 administrators, teachers, community leaders, and community members. Proceeds will benefit the Belvidere High School Renaissance Program.

The event will feature a variety of fun interactive extras to complement the Wizards’ dazzling demonstration of hoops artistry: Pregame “Wiz Kids” warm-up, contests, comedy, awesome slam dunks, audience participation, merchandise giveaways, and more. The game will conclude with the Wizards’ signature dance extravaganza that will have the crowd on their feet.

Tickets are priced as follows: Courtside Plus – $25; Reserved – $15; General Admission – $10 in advance, $12 at the door (Students will not be able to gain admission with their student id. They must purchase a ticket.)

Tickets may be purchased at the Belvidere High School main office, by mailing a check and ticket order form, or on the Harlem Wizards webpage: at www.harlemwizards.thundertix.com/events/112889

Renaissance is a program that is organized by Jostens. (Jostens is an American manufacturer of memorabilia. The company is primarily known for its production of yearbooks and class rings for various high schools and colleges as well as championship rings for sports.)

Here is the formal description of Renaissance from their website:

“Renew your climate and culture by focusing on the following tenets: build the character of students inside and outside the classroom; enhance and grow connections with peers, parents, experts, and all stakeholders; and create a culture of celebration of all achievements to inspire success for the future.”

Renaissance is a club at BHS that works to improve the school climate from the student’s perspective. Our students plan initiatives to recognize students, faculty, and staff, help students feel welcome, and improve the overall feeling in the building. This is only our second year as a club so we are hosting the Harlem Wizards to raise money to fund different projects Renaissance students feel are important in our building. This is in addition to applying for several grants this spring.

Here are some of the initiatives and projects:

-Positive Notes-students write and hang positive messages on all lockers (once per quarter)

-High 5 Friday-students are greeted with high 5’s as they enter the building on Fridays

-Renaissance Cards-students can receive cards based on GPA, behavior, and attendance. Each card contains “perks” like early lunch, free treat, free t-shirts, etc.

-Tireless and Lifesaver Awards-students nominate and select one faculty member and one staff member each semester for the awards

-Courtyard renovation-students are working with other classes and clubs to fix up one of our courtyards. They will clear out weeds and add landscaping, tables, and benches for student/class use

-Bathroom Facelift-students want to paint all bathrooms and add positive messages on the walls

-Wall Murals- students would like to paint murals on the walls in the hallway with positive messages, school logos, etc.

This is not a new program at BHS or other schools in the area, just an older idea that has been revamped. If you talk to former students of BHS and many RPS schools, they might remember receiving Renaissance cards back in the 90s.