Lower Merion, Haverford squads come together for Hope Classic

Lower Merion >> Lower Merion boys’ basketball assistant coach Kevin Grugan is always eager to talk about how grateful he is to be part of two very supportive communities – Lower Merion High School and Haverford Township School District.
Eight years ago, Grugan’s daughter Hope was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome, (AS), a neurogenetic disorder that occurs in one of every 15,000 live births. Characteristics of AS include developmental delay, lack of speech, seizures and walking and balance disorders, the outpouring of support from both schools was outstanding.
“The Haverford Township School District community and Lower Merion High School have been awesome for us,” said Grugan. “Hope attends Lynnewood Elementary and she has awesome teachers and an excellent principal (Mrs. McGilvery). Hope’s twin brother Jack and our other daughter Erin attend Chatham Park Elementary and they have also been very supportive along with their friends and their friends’ parents. To have two school communities – Haverford and Lower Merion – who have been supportive of our families – it just made perfect sense to have this night as the Hope Classic.”
On Jan. 24 in front of a packed house, Haverford High School defeated Lower Merion 53-41 in the 6th Annual Hope Classic benefitting the Angelman Syndrome Foundation & Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics. Although the Fords handed the hosts a tough loss, the night was about more than just basketball.
“This night is a great cause for Coach Grugan and his family,” said Lower Merion senior James Samples. “We were hoping to get a win for him but unfortunately we came up a little short. The night was for a great cause and I was happy to see so many people come out and show their support.”
“I have always been so proud to be a Lower Merion Ace and my pride was only made stronger by the outpouring of support from my community at the Hope Classic,” said Lower Merion alum Jordan Kofsky, who is Hope’s teacher at Lynnewood Elementary. “This is my first year teaching in the School District of Haverford Township and having my colleagues, students, and SDHT families come together for Hope was an experience I will not soon forget. Lynnewood Elementary is built on a strong foundation of tradition and pride. Our motto “be kind” echoes throughout our halls, our students find strength in our core belief, and simply put, kindness is what drives us each day. I was not surprised by the huge showing of support, my pride to be in both communities is something I carry with me every day.”
Kofsky added, “Becoming a Special Education teacher is a calling. We learn about Individualized Education Plans, curriculum and many other key components of teaching. Nothing, however, can truly prepare you for the absolute gift of working with students, who come to school despite the difficulties they may face and start each day with a huge smile and an unending sense of wonder. Hope is the absolute definition of pure light. Her contagious smile and positive outlook are something to be admired. I learn from Hope every day. She has taught me to never give up, always lead with kindness, share in others’ happiness, and to never take for granted the gift of a new day. I am the luckiest teacher in the world, and I could not be more thankful for all of my students, they are my inspiration, today and every day.”
After receiving the diagnosis, the Lower Merion coaching staff put their heads together to find a way to create a fundraiser to help raise money and awareness.
“Principal Sean Hughes, Athletic Director Jason Stroup and Coach Gregg Downer have been very supportive to make this an annual event,” said Grugan. “I always try to find a Friday night on the schedule and this year we were fortunate that it was Haverford High. Haverford High coach Keith Heinrichs does a great job and the game is always competitive.”