A Night Under the Big Top
The weather cooperated and plans to give Springfield High School seniors and juniors a “Night Under the Big Top” that they will never forget came together in a great way. Fitting since 2020-21 has seemed at times like a three-ring circus, “A Night Under the Big Top” was chosen for the theme, right? There were so many surprises provided for the kids—I usually say students in my writings, but to be honest, we really just wanted to give the members of the Class of 2021 and Class of 2022 the chance to be kids. Since May 13, 2020, their normal hasn’t been what typical high school students experience. We had the chance, even just for one night, to make a difference. I think we succeeded, at least that is what they’re telling us.
From the minute they arrived, they were made to feel special—most walked in on the red carpet and passed through the gates of Springfield Community Stadium to find food trucks, venues with (of course) a dance floor under a tent with a DJ at centerfield, a “cash vault,” horse-drawn carriage rides, exotic animals, dunk tank (featuring a few favorite teachers), variety of carnival games, balloon artist and roving magician, photo booth, caricature artist, alum Ian McClellan with casino games and miniature golf—and did I mention the prizes? No one left empty handed—most with prizes (thanks to incredible community support arranged through our Springfield Academic Booster elves) were valued in excess of $10 to $25 with many (like the TVs, microwave, Keurigs) at even greater values.
Advisors Katie Crago and McKenna Reitz were joined by an impressive crew of SHS faculty, staff and the Springfield Academic Boosters (in addition to all the prizes) truly outdid themselves with their decorations, games and treats available throughout the night. After Mia Rose and Jordan Bombick were crowned queen and king, we were able to end the night with, well, a bang. Thanks to Miller Fireworks (they donated the entire, incredible 10-minute show) the sky lit up to provide a spectacular end to what has been a challenging time for these kids.
This night didn’t just happen. It was the end result of a lot of hard work by staff and volunteers; the generosity of a legion of sponsors (to whom we can never give enough thanks) and the cooperation of our students, who looked and behaved like impressive young men and women. All in all, it was a night that this tired principal will never forget.
