Harlem Rockets Put on a Show in the Name of a Drug-Free Community

The “Southington All-Stars” found themselves 20 points short when the final buzzer sounded at Southington High School against the Harlem Rockets on Thursday night, but in the end it didn’t matter.

It wasn’t about winning for either team – it was about putting on a show, having fun and partnering together to promote a drug-free community and with several hundred in attendance, that was exactly what happened during “Family Fun Night” hosted by the Southington Drug Task Force.

“It was awesome,” said Stephen Murray, 11, a student at Strong Elementary School. “My favorite part was the halftime show. It was all fun.”

The Family Fun Night initiative was something started years ago as a way of bringing the community together and sharing the importance of family bonding and strong communication between parents and children said Trish Kenefick, DePaolo Middle School teacher and member of the Southington Drug Task Force.

The goal, she said, was to get parents and children to have fun together with the hopes that it will provide an alternative to drug use and spark discussion among families on the ride home.

Thursday marked the third time in just over a decade that the Harlem Rockets were able to come to Southington to spread a message of living a drug-free and alcohol-free lifestyle and the importance of getting a good education.

Members of the Rockets made a surprise appearance at DePaolo Middle School, Strong Elementary School and Hatton Elementary School to spread their message and Rockets team member Clifton Malone said he was surprised how receptive students were.

“It means a lot to me to be able to reach these kids,” Malone said. “I was raised with that message, to stay away from drugs and alcohol and it’s important for us to be able to set a positive example for these kids. We are here to make sure they have fun and promote a positive outcome.”

Southington High School Resource Officer Donald Mackenzie, who played along with other officers, teachers and students in the game, said Thursday wasn’t about basketball, but about supporting a strong community.

“This is all about the kids,” Mackenzie said. “Anything we can do to raise money for drug awareness and send a positive message, it’s something you have to be a part of.”

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