Connecting the Community through Basketball
The annual Germantown Community Basketball Tournament, hosted by Germantown Friends School (GFS) last weekend and now in its 31st year, brings together students and neighbors through a shared love of basketball and athletics. But instead of treating spectators to a traditional halftime show between championship games, the break in competition is used to honor local leaders and inspiring community members who have made an impact on the community. This year, GFS recognized Lynard Stewart, youth anti-violence advocate and Head Coach at Simon Gratz High School, and Jane Ellis, founder of Germantown Community Fridge, for their commitment to Germantown and Philadelphia.
Bookmarking the awards ceremony, spirited basketball filled the Henry Scattergood Gym at GFS. While championship titles were secured by St. Hubert Catholic High School for Girls and the GFS Varsity Boys team, games also included talented players from Parkway Northwest, Paul Robeson High School for Human Services, Simon Gratz High School, and William W. Bodine High School for International Affairs.
Stewart has been a game changer on and off the court. At Simon Gratz, he serves as the head basketball coach and dean of students. He also created the Backboard program, focused on empowering his players to connect with and improve their neighborhoods. Stewart is an Assistant Recreation Leader for the City of Philadelphia, a Behavioral Health Specialist at the Philadelphia Mental Health Center, and the co-founder of B-AllPhilly, which provides guidance and instruction to inner city youth. In response to the 2020 murder of former Simon Gratz basketball player Ross Carter, Stewart organized the “Stop the Violence” rally and secured key organizations to address trauma and resources available to the community.
“I’ve been blessed in my lifetime to be able to receive various awards, but the ones that stand out to me are the ones that involve giving back.”
“I’ve been blessed in my lifetime to be able to receive various awards, but the ones that stand out to me are the ones that involve giving back. It’s everyone’s responsibility to reach back and make sure things are going the right way, said Stewart. “GFS is a school within a community that I’m very familiar with. To be recognized by such an institution that has become such a pillar in the community means so much to me.”
Ellis, a teacher at Greene Street Friends, started the Germantown Community Fridge in 2020 to provide perishable and non-perishable food to community residents in need, free of charge. The impetus for the Fridge was Ellis’ desire to connect her students and the community when virtual teaching began, due to COVID-19. The Germantown Community Fridges are located at 20. W Armat Street and at 19 E. High Street. Many community groups, families, and schools — including GFS’ Upper School Community Engagement Club — support maintaining and filling the fridge.
Ellis shared, “Our two fridges wouldn’t be standing today without the support of our neighbors, dedicated fridge team, the volunteers, and the organizations that donate everyday. It is an honor to have it recognized and shines light on our commitment to battle food insecurity and food excess in the Germantown community.”
“While the Germantown Community Basketball Tournament has been a staple for over three decades, this year’s event is particularly important. With COVID-19 challenging the physical and mental health of youth all over the city, we are thrilled to bring people together for healthy and joyful competition and camaraderie,” said Katie Bergstrom Mark, Director of Athletics at GFS. “It is phenomenal to showcase two inspiring leaders, who are examples for our students of how to use their voices to create real change through action in our community. Both Lynard and Jane are making a difference for young people every day!”
You can also view an article by The Philadelphia Tribune Writer OJ Spivey here and below:
