Ten Finalists Named in Harlem Globetrotters’ 2025 Court of Creativity Contest Presented by Jersey Mike’s Subs

The Harlem Globetrotters and Jersey Mike’s Subs have announced the ten national finalists in the third annual Court of Creativity contest – a nationwide competition that challenges K–5 students to channel their imagination through basketball-themed projects inspired by the legendary Globetrotters.

Each finalist school will receive a $1,000 cash prize from Jersey Mike’s to support future creative programming. One grand prize winner will also earn a catered lunch from Jersey Mike’s and an in-school visit from the Harlem Globetrotters later this school year.

This year’s ten standout submissions include custom jersey designs, literacy-driven videos, full-scale performances, STEM activities, and more – all highlighting themes of teamwork, perseverance, and creativity. Finalists include:

• Alpha School (Jackson, NJ) – Used basketballs and paint to create collaborative artwork as part of a sensory-integrated “Athletic Arts” program for students with multiple disabilities.
• Berea Elementary (Berea, SC) – Designed cultural jerseys, studied force and energy in science, and performed freestyle basketball skills in PE class.
• Calvin Public School (Calvin, OK) – Created a March Madness-inspired math and spelling video that turned academic learning into a basketball game.
• Columbia Elementary (Mount Vernon, OH) – Merged PBIS rewards with basketball challenges and community engagement, including a Jersey Mike’s-themed bingo celebration.
• Everson Elementary (Everson, WA) – Produced a schoolwide video starring “Dribble McDunkerson,” a basketball on a journey of self-discovery and trick shots.
• Lincoln Elementary (Vancouver, WA) – Developed a scripted video featuring their school mascot learning to play basketball, with support from every grade.
• Sandhill Elementary (Stoughton, WI) – Led a March Madness-inspired PE unit across all grade levels, culminating in a trick-shot-filled video.
• Shreve Elementary (Shreve, OH) – Celebrated literacy with a student-led video linking reading, research, and basketball in an imaginative classroom setting.
• South Lebanon Elementary (South Lebanon, PA) – Engaged second graders in basketball-themed STEM challenges, creative writing, and history lessons throughout March.
• Twin Oak Elementary (Mount Vernon, OH) – Created a schoolwide March Madness event assigning every student a team role—from Equipment Manager to Jersey Designer—celebrating multiple skill sets.

“Each year, the creativity and school pride in these projects is amazing to witness,” said Rich Hope, Chief Marketing Officer at Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems, LLC. “The Court of Creativity is about more than just basketball—it’s about inspiring students to express themselves and work together. Congratulations to all the schools that participated.”

The contest was open to public, private, and vocational elementary schools with grades K–5 across the U.S. and remains a platform for promoting creativity, healthy lifestyles, and community engagement among young students.

ABOUT JERSEY MIKE’S SUBS

Jersey Mike’s Subs, with more than 4,000 locations open and in development, serves authentic fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs on in-store freshly baked bread — the same recipe it started with in 1956. Passion for giving in Jersey Mike’s local communities is reflected in its mission statement “Giving…making a difference in someone’s life.” For more information, please visit jerseymikes.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.

ABOUT THE WORLD-FAMOUS HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS™ / HERSCHEND ENTERTAINMENT STUDIOS

The Harlem Globetrotters™ are THE originators of basketball style; captured by their dynamic athleticism, unique skill and historical influence on the modern game of basketball. Since 1926, the Globetrotters, proud members of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, have used their legendary global tour to showcase their iconic brand of basketball to tens of millions in over 124 countries and territories across six continents.

They have expanded the brand by coming back to network television for the first time in 40 years with their Emmy nominated NBC series “Harlem Globetrotters: Play it Forward” which also airs on Telemundo as “Harlem Globetrotters: Ganando Con La Comunidad.” Content partners include Hidden Pictures, Atmosphere TV, and Hearts Media Production Group; consumer partnerships include, Sprayground, Undercrwn, Macys, Hybrid; and additional partnerships include our official tour partner Jersey Mike’s Subs, official ball partner, Spalding, Viral Nation, Hoopculture, and Citi.

Coined by the U.S. State Department in 1951 as Ambassadors of Goodwill, the team leverages their moniker to drive its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts around their strategic pillars of Health & Wellness, Education, and Community Empowerment. These efforts have yielded partnership with the likes of Microsoft, U.S. State Department Sports Diplomacy, The National Archives, ‘Great Assist’ in partnership with Jersey Mike’s Subs, Campus Multimedia Court of Creativity, and Comic Relief Red Nose Day.

For more information about the Harlem Globetrotters™ and the Tour, visit the Globetrotters' official website: www.harlemglobetrotters.com. The Harlem Globetrotters™ is a subsidiary of Herschend, the largest family-owned themed attractions company.

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CONTACT:

Eric Nemeth
nemeth@ericpr.com
602-502-2793 cell

Mirian Arias
Harlem Globetrotters
mirian.arias@harlemglobetrotters.com