Passing the Torch: Alum Luke Haase Brings Basketball to Emanuel’s Youngest Athletes

We were blessed last week with a special visit from a familiar face! Emanuel Alum Luke Haase (Class of 1994) returned to our gym with an incredible gift for our students.

As a dedicated advocate for youth sports and a board member for the New London Youth Girls Basketball program, Luke is on a mission to ensure every girl in our community has the chance to play. Along with fellow local business owners, including Kris Carew at New London Building Supply, Luke launched an initiative to provide a brand-new basketball to every girl in grades K–4 throughout the New London School District—including right here at Emanuel.

The goal of this generous donation is simple: to introduce the girls to the game and let them know that there are opportunities for them to grow, compete, and lead through sports.

In the photos, you can see the excitement as the girls received their basketballs and red drawstring bags. We are so grateful to Luke and the New London business community for investing in our students and encouraging them to stay active and try something new!