Each year before Thanksgiving break, a number of willing junior and senior girls face off in the annual Powderpuff touch-football game. Typically, the game takes place on Wednesday after the pep rally. This year, however, senior class officers set it for the previous Monday night to make it an event that was inclusive and enjoyable for all. “After school on Wednesday, everyone is eager to leave and start break, and the players tend to leave early. This year we had snacks, music, and announcers under the lights to really make it a fun event for everyone,” explained Lauren Blasi, senior class treasurer and one of the event’s coordinators.
Unfortunately for the players, coaches, and all in attendance, Monday night happened to be one of the coldest nights this year. Despite the weather, at least thirty parents and fans bared the cold to support the teams, which was to the pleasant surprise of senior co-vice president Celina Bove. Bove and Blasi planned extensively for the night, Bove explaining that “[She] and Lauren worked really hard and put a lot of hours into making [their] ideas come alive.” Bove also credited Athletic Director Mr. Tom Zaya with being a huge help in the success of the event. The ALS club sold snacks, and profits went to charity, while the senior class’s donation box made money that will go towards its senior week events. Additionally, canned goods were collected to be donated to the Reading Food Pantry just in time for Thanksgiving.
This year’s game was immensely better than last year’s. As a player myself, although I had no desire to take my warm jacket off and join the game, I witnessed the excitement of many on the field. Senior Kathryn Kalogeris described it as, “a very fun night” that “definitely exceeded [her] expectations.” Undeniably, one of the best touches were announcers Liam Dwyer, Ryan Melley, Wes Robinson, and Peter Squeglia, who kept things funny and lively for the crowd and players alike. Ultimately, Powderpuff was a major success this year in the eyes of both its coordinators and participants; it earned money for the senior class and donations for various causes, and was seemingly enjoyable for all. Hopefully, upcoming senior classes are able to build on Blasi and Bove’s ideas and only continue to improve Powderpuff games for years to come.
