Competition Bolsters Community

It was Gray Bees vs. New Jersey State Troopers at the third annual Building Bridges basketball game, held on February 13 in the HAB. The tradition began two years ago, when students challenged State Troopers to an impromptu game having formed bonds of understanding, trust, and competitive spirit through Building Bridges.

Since 2021, Building Bridges has brought students of color and law enforcement together. Facilitated by Victory Road Leadership Development Group and sponsored by Davis Polk, students and Troopers undergo an experience of shared adversity. “Our students get to understand the reality of the State Police Troopers; the Troopers hear the reality of our kids and their situations. That’s the way you build community,” Headmaster Fr. Edwin Leahy, O.S.B. ’63 told News 12 New Jersey and other media outlets that covered the game.

"It’s a blessing that we get to mend these fences between our law enforcement and community like ours," said Liam Vertreese ’25, Maroon Section Leader who played in the Building Bridges game.

New York Knicks power forward Precious Achiuwa, who played for Benedict’s his sophomore and junior season, was at the game. “It’s great for the community and the kids for them to be able to interact on a more personal level with all the different things out there. I think it’s great,” he told the New York Post. The Troopers won the game 61-56. The Girls Prep Division played their Building Bridges Trooper counterparts at a volleyball match on March 21.