Communications High School (CHS) students showcased their superpower or flower power in the balloon pop ring on March 21, the fourth day of Spring Spirit Week 2024.
With a tight competition all week, even the theme points have been contributing to the class leaderboard. The fourth day of Spring Spirit Week had students dressing up to a theme of “Superpower vs. Flower power.” Superhero capes and Captain Underwear interpretations mixed in the halls with groovy outfits and totally tubular flower patterns.
As the clock struck 10:30, the daily scavenger hunt commenced and students flooded the hallways searching for hot commodities. The list included an umbrella, five paper plates and an earring longer than three inches. While the sophomore class quickly gathered their items, they could not find a class election button. Through quick thinking, the sophomores aligned with the senior class, allowing them to get their final item and win the scavenger hunt. A ripple effect quickly occurred with the seniors using the sophomores to collect their final items, followed by the seniors helping the freshmen. In the end, the sophomores placed first, followed by the seniors, freshmen and juniors, respectively.
Sophomore Class President Kyla Kidorf of Homdel was thrilled with her class’ third consecutive scavenger hunt win.
“Winning the scavenger hunt was awesome, after doing it last year and in the fall, I’m really glad we figured out a method that works for us,” Kidorf said. “It’s so great to see everyone working together to find things, and even though it can be chaotic with everyone running around, it’s been one of my favorite parts of Spirit Week.”
As the scavenger hunt came to a close, each class began to prepare for a CHS favorite event: Balloon Pop. Four participants represented each grade with two balloons each, attempting to pop other opponents’ balloons. With every round, the area of play lessened and it became more difficult to stay engaged without stepping out of bounds, resulting in immediate elimination.
The cheering during the event was electric and matched the intensity of the game. Video replays were instated to capture the close details determining if people stepped out of bounds, and multiple pauses were taken because of too much physicality among contestants.
Senior Charlie Brekke of Atlantic Highlands played a key role in determining the elimination of several students with her recordings of the event from the sideline.
“I was standing in a perfect spot to record the event, and after seeing how often students argued with SGA during gaga I wanted to make sure none of the other teams had an unfair advantage,” Brekke said. “I ended up recording the moment the SGA thought Kelly O’Toole stepped out and managed to get her back in the game.”
After all balloons were popped, the juniors were the last class standing, taking home first place. The seniors followed in second place, then the sophomores in third and the freshmen in fourth.
Junior Class Treasurer Christie DeNicola of Tinton Falls voiced her excitement about the juniors winning their second event this week.
“Winning balloon pop was great,” DeNicola said. “I loved seeing my class celebrate and cheer each other on.”
After the day’s events, the seniors lead the scoreboard with 215 points, the sophomores are in second with 205 points, the juniors are in third with 200 points and the freshmen are in last with 148 points.
Tomorrow’s theme of “Dynamic Duo” and the final event, Lip Sync, will truly decide which class receives the coveted title of “Spring Spirit Week Champions.” Classes have been preparing for the past two weeks to perfect their dancing and lip-syncing skills.
For Senior Class President Lydia Olivieri of Colts Neck, no matter how the final day of Spring Spirit Week turns out for the senior class, she is thankful for all of the hard work and dedication the seniors have put into their final spirit week.
“I’m so proud of everyone for coming together the way we have,” Olivieri said. “No matter how we perform tomorrow, this Spirit Week will always have a special place in my memory.”
