During lunch on Friday, Jan. 26, hundreds of students packed into the soccer field stands to watch senior students face off against their teachers in the first annual Seniors vs. Teachers kickball game. The event was hosted by the Student Government Association (SGA) in order to promote and prepare for the upcoming Spirit Week. The students ended the game with a 17 to 7 win, but both sides enjoyed this fun opportunity.
“We thought it would be interesting if we had a kickball tournament to kick off Spirit Week,” piano junior and SGA representative Annemarie Gerlach, said. “It was a lot of fun, lots of people came out.”
SGA also sold Rita’s Italian Ice during the game for $2 a cup, which attracted many students. The snack was so popular that the SGA actually ran out of Italian ice, proving that SGA’s fundraising project was successful.
Although lunchtime games, such as dodgeball and field day activities, are common during Spirit Week, Friday’s game was unique; this was the first year ever that a Spirit Week event was held the week before. However, SGA’s goals of drumming up enthusiasm for the week ahead were met.
Social studies teacher Sarah Ray said she decided to play to “promote school culture and to join the students and teachers together.” She hopes SGA continues to host this event in the years to come, and said if they did, she would participate next year.
Visual senior Amanda Addison, like many other students on the seniors’ team, plays on several school teams. This kickball game motivated her to contribute her athletic talents in the name of school spirit. “I want to show support for our class,” Addison said.
The game interested many underclassman as well, including theatre sophomore Justin Strikowski, who said he would participate when he was a senior.
“Getting to play against your teachers is a totally different opportunity than a classroom,” Strikowski said. “It would be fun to be on the same playing field as them.”
More information on Spirit Week dress up days and lunchtime events can be found on SGA’s Instagram, @dsoasga.