LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, NJ — Laughter echoed through the Linden High School gymnasium Thursday afternoon as students, staff, families, and community members packed the bleachers for the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy’s 3rd Annual Students vs. Staff Charity Basketball Game — an energetic tradition where the final score mattered far less than the spirit behind it.

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As part of the group’s End-of-Year Impact Project, the April 30 event blended basketball, school pride, and community service into one lively afternoon centered on what organizers called “Impact Through Action.”

This year’s game partnered with Community Access Unlimited, with a portion of the proceeds supporting the nonprofit organization’s programs and the individuals it serves. About 30 members from the organization were on hand to cheer from the stands and take part in the festivities.

The staff team ultimately pulled out a narrow 63-60 victory after holding off a late student rally, but by then the competition had already given way to laughter, playful trash talk, and crowd-pleasing moments that kept the gym buzzing from opening tip-off to the final buzzer.

Cheerleaders energized the crowd throughout the afternoon, while the Linden Tiger mascot and the Chick-fil-A cow mascot sparked laughs with spontaneous dance-offs, photo opportunities, and sideline antics between plays.

Halftime performances by the Linden Recreation dance teams added another layer of excitement, while students, staff, and community members joined in a fan-favorite 3-point shooting contest that brought loud cheers from the crowd.

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