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By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

PELHAM – The faculty and staff of Pelham High School celebrated the end of the school year with a trip to the softball field in the 2025 teacher softball game.

The game is one steeped in tradition, but according to PHS Principal Sabrina Tutchtone it was altered due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Before COVID, we had a fun tradition of an annual faculty softball game against the Helena faculty,” Tutchtone said. “Unfortunately, like so many things, that tradition was put on hold during the pandemic and was never brought back—until now. This year, we decided it was time to revive it—but with a twist. Instead of playing another school, we brought the game home and created two teams from our own faculty. To make it even more exciting for the students (spectating the game), we held a live draft, adding a fun and competitive edge to the event. It was a great way to bring back an old tradition with new energy.”

The game was open to every faculty and staff member willing to play. Some faculty chose not to take the field but rather participated in other roles like coaching, announcing or cheering from the sidelines.

“It felt like one of those Sunday afternoon pickup games in a small town or at your grandmother’s house,” Tutchtone said. “Lots of laughter, friendly teasing and the occasional flash of impressive athleticism.”

Tutchtone said that the students contributed to the event via a raucous fan environment and with a refereeing element.

“The students, of course, were spectators and expert hecklers,” Tutchtone said. “Our softball team served as umpires, throwing in a few controversial calls that only added to the fun. Several faculty members who didn’t play joined the crowd, were happy to heckle and laugh along with the rest.”

Events like the teacher softball game, according to Tutchtone, are important for building staff morale, promoting the school’s culture and advancing “The Pelham Way.”

“These end-of-year events mean more than we sometimes realize,” Tutchtone said. “By this point, we’re all feeling a little stretched thin, but it’s moments like these that give us a chance to step away from the stress and see each other in a different light. We get to laugh together, connect and be friends, not just coworkers trying to get through the day. That connection matters, because when the pressure inevitably returns… those relationships help us respond with more patience, more grace and a deeper sense of understanding each other. I think we often underestimate just how important that part really is.”

For more information on Pelham High School, visit Phs.pelhamcityschools.org.