Schools

Somers High Students Celebrate Spartan Spirit

To show community pride within the school, all four grades participated in a series of contests on April 1, the last day of the school's week long March Madness event.

Some might say that it's just not the way it's supposed to end. Others would argue that it signifies a natural changing of the guard.

The freshman class at Somers High School defeated the Class of 2011 in a final school-wide competition held April 1 in the gymnasium.

The ninth graders out preformed the seniors, juniors and sophomores in most of the "skilled events" that included a three-legged race, leap frog and eating a powdered donut with hands tied behind their backs as the treat dangled by a string. 

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In the end what was earned, in addition to bragging rights, was a greater respect between the grades, at least that was the intent.

With the end of the school year near, a lull between winter and spring sports seasons and the annual intense state testing behind them, for the past more than 15 years each March students and some staff whip themselves into frenzy for a weeklong competition between the grades.

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Each day has a theme - from school spirit to dressing in the style of a different decade - and each class adopts a different persona. This year they were the fluorescent freshman, the sleepy sophomores, the island juniors and the Spartan seniors, chosen because of the school's mascot.

The school's Student Advisory Council coordinates the week's events, which culminates with a pep rally on Friday as a means to promote greater unity within the school.

Council advisor Andrew Drummey, a social studies teacher, said that throughout the year, the council focuses its efforts on helping outside agencies, such as a local food bank.

For one week out of the year the student council refocuses its attention to inside the brick walls of SHS.

"There really is no other activity that every grade can be involved in during the year," council president Lauren Astone, 18, said. "With March Madness, every single student can be involved in some way and have a good time."

"It unifies each grade, and unifies the school. You have people cheering for each other who might not talk during school," council vice president Madeline Folsom, 17, said.

Drummey added that it's also a way for the teachers to interact with the students outside of the classroom, and have fun.

"It's great for the kids to see their teachers outside of the typical school day, It’s a great way for the teachers to get involved with the kids and promote the community aspect of school," Drummey said. 

Until next year, the Class of 2014 have the right to say that they defeated the upperclassmen at March Madness… they just need to remember that they will be the upperclassmen soon enough.


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