Standing near the goal line during an Ultimate Frisbee game, Derek Burkhardt searched left and right before firing the disc toward his teammate, who was streaking away from his defender to catch his pass for the game’s first goal.
The tournament, held in July, was organized by Burkhardt, a University of New Hampshire at Manchester alum, to raise money for the science program at his high school alma mater, Manchester High School Central. The event attracted over 70 players from across New England and raised more than $1,500. This year’s tournament was the third Burkhardt has hosted. The first benefited the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, while the second raised money for the New Hampshire Food Bank.
While the event focused on teams competing through a series of competitive matches, the tournament was complimented by volunteer-run snack tables, a collection of skills competitions, and the provision of fun awards for the teams.
Burkhardt said he decided to raise money for Central’s science program partly because of his experience as a student teacher in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, or STEM, program run by UNH Manchester that provides college-level learning opportunities to students from Manchester’s public schools.
“Central High School and UNH Manchester played such a major role in the development of who I am today,” said Burkhardt. “I am passionate about Ultimate Frisbee, science education, and being active in the community—giving back to Central was a perfect opportunity to pair my interests and long term goals in education.”
Ryan Nordle, a 2014 Central High School graduate, participated in the tournament mainly because it was to benefit his alma mater. “It’s obviously for Central, so it’s a huge part of it,” he said. But also, “just because it’s a great day to come out and play Frisbee.”
Central High School Principal John Vaccarezza, who joined the high school this summer, said he is amazed by former students’ strong attachment to the school.
“When a graduate of Central, like Derek Burkhardt, who is starting his career takes the time and energy to coordinate a fundraiser like this for the Science Department, it demonstrates the strong Central Pride that is unique to our school,” said Vaccarezza. “On behalf of the Central Pride Foundation and Manchester High School Central, we thank UNH Manchester, Dean Hickey, Derek, and all who participated in the event for their efforts.”
