Campus raises money through recreational activity
Food trucks, bounce houses and snack bars offered a carnival atmosphere for attendees during Eagle Fest, Sept. 29. The fall festival’s success garnered hundreds of attendees’ attention to school performances, introduction of teams, and taking a shot at dunking teachers and the superintendent.
Austin Kinzle, ‘26, enjoyed a Kona Ice snow cone while deciding which bounce house to visit next.
“All of the rides are really fun,” Kinzle said. “I have a couple of friends I am hanging out with today. I’m eating a snow cone from Kona Ice. My favorite flavor is blue raspberry. I’ve been on the astro blaster ride, wipeout and a couple others. My favorite so far has been the big slide.”
School groups and programs used Eagle Fest to raise awareness and money for the 2018-’19 school year. Band director Lesley Bannister plans to take her music students to Hawaii next fall to perform. Bannister shares how Eagle Fest supports her effort in raising money.
“For us, Eagle Fest is a great chance to perform for our community,” Bannister said. “Percussion is performing as well as color guard and band. It’s an opportunity to show what we are doing over in our world. We are running four booths today, the dunk tank, face painting, Gaga ball and selling popcorn and candy to raise money for our trip to Hawaii. We go to Hawaii in the fall of 2019.
Band travels to Hawaii next year to play on the deck of the USS Missouri at the Pearl Harbor monument. While visiting the state, the band members also participate in an exchange program and a clinic at the University of Hawaii.
“I don’t have a goal on how much we want to raise today,” Bannister said. “If we could raise $500 that would be great. The cost is about $2,500 a student to go to Hawaii. We have 25 students going to Hawaii in the group.”
Parents who attended the event conversed, watched students immerse staff members in the water filled dunk tank and spent time with their kids. Campus parent, Steve Lewis shares how he sees Eagle Fest impacts the campus.
“Our elementary daughter got a wristband and was very excited about the train,” Lewis said. “I’m sure she would like to take a shot at dunking Mrs. E (Kristin Eldridge). I think Eagle Fest creates a sense of community and brings families together of the students. It’s very important because it’s more than just a school. It makes it feel like a safe place, a home with friends.”
Freshman Albert Ramirez decided to spend his Saturday at Eagle Fest, looking to enjoy the food and bounce houses at the event.
“I just got here, and I purchased a whole bunch of tickets,” Ramirez said. “I hopefully going to purchase some things like food and snacks. I had nothing else to do today, so I might as well come. I’d like to try some of the bounce houses they have here today. They look pretty fun.”
Homecoming week follows the weekend activities of Eagle Fest. Student leadership encourages high school students to dress to each days theme. Homecoming night will be Friday, Oct. 5 with activities and the football game beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Sam Cross can be reached via email.
