With state math testing on the horizon, Linden High School hit pause on the pencils and picked up the pace for one unforgettable night of fun, friendship, and fierce competition.
On Thursday, May 8, the LHS Chick-fil-A Leader Academy tipped off its 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘃𝘀. 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗳𝗳 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲, transforming the gymnasium into a high-energy arena of school spirit and community pride.
More than just a game, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹-𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝗽 𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆, rallying the Linden High family together before next week’s academic showdown. With the bleachers packed and energy sky-high, the evening proved to be the perfect blend of motivation and celebration.
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆
The atmosphere was electric as the Linden cheerleaders led chants that echoed through the rafters, backed by the lovable Linden Tiger and the ever-entertaining Chick-fil-A cow, both mascots working the crowd with high-fives and dance moves.
As the game unfolded, fans were treated to halftime and quarter-break performances by the Linden Recreation Department’s youth dance teams, whose high-energy routines brought the house down. Even the youngest audience members got in on the action with a crowd-pleasing 3-point contest.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲: 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘃𝘀. 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗳𝗳, 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝘃𝘀. 𝗛𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗹𝗲
On the court, the action was anything but friendly. The staff team stormed to a commanding lead early, using their teamwork and, let’s be honest, years of recess basketball experience to build a 20-point advantage. But the students, unwilling to go quietly, mounted a fast-paced fourth-quarter comeback that had the crowd on its feet.
With just minutes left, the staff held on—barely—edging out a narrow win despite the late student surge. In the end, the scoreboard didn’t matter nearly as much as the smiles, the laughter, and the unity on display.
𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Behind the scenes, it was the LHS Chick-fil-A Leader Academy students who brought the event to life, planning and executing every detail with purpose. Proceeds from the game went to support both the academy’s leadership initiatives and a local charity, ensuring the night’s impact would extend far beyond the gym.
“This is what real leadership looks like,” said Superintendent Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins, who stopped by alongside Principal Charles Koonce to show support. “Our students are learning to lead with heart, and tonight they brought the entire community together for a great cause.”