As students eagerly await the beloved Powderpuff game, scheduled for April, there have been a lot of preparations made to make the event as exciting and enjoyable as it always is.
“[Powderpuff] is a really fun, spirited event,” senior A’Riyah Whitaker said. “The whole school comes out to watch the game. Since it’s such a long process, it also really brings everyone together and creates a family.”
Powderpuff is an annual school event where the senior and junior classes face off in a football game, except the girls are playing and the boys are cheerleading. It’s one of the most exciting and energetic events of the year. This year, it’s being planned by senior cabinet members Whitaker, senior Dylan Barajas and senior Sophia Saravia, who have all been working hard to make Powderpuff possible.
“We interviewed people for more than two weeks, two at a time, so that took a lot of effort,” Whitaker said. “We’re just getting into the more fun parts now as practices will be starting soon, but most of it so far has been organizing and deciding who will be on each team.”
From Jan. 14-26, the planners have been interviewing junior and senior students for different positions, specifically for players, cheerleaders and coaches. There were many applicants, so choosing a roster was an important and tedious process.
“We had so many applicants that we had to cut about 50%,” Saravia said. “At that point, first impressions really mattered. When someone walked into the interview, we looked for whether they stood out and really wowed us. When you have to make big cuts, you look for people who immediately make an impact.”
Participants for the event were chosen carefully, to ensure that both the junior and senior team would be dedicated. Since teams practice twice a week for the two months leading up to the event, it was important to find participants who would put in their best efforts.
“More outspoken students tended to stand out more, but spirit was also a big factor,” Whitaker said. “Since we help lead spirit events, we noticed who consistently participates and shows enthusiasm. We wanted people who are spirited, committed and going to show up and give their best.”
With participants and planners all working together, this year’s Powderpuff event is going to be another success at bringing together the student body.
“The bond you create with the team is something you can’t really describe unless you experience it,” Saravia said. “It’s not just the players, it’s also the coaches, cheerleaders and organizers. Everyone comes together and becomes like one big family, with friendships across different groups.”
