The Mini Olympics kicks off the homecoming festivities at NHS. Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors all descend on the Mill (NHS’s basketball court) to compete in multiple games to try and clinch the Mini O trophy and some serious bragging rights.
Becoming the winning grade in the Mini O is no easy feat, as students have to compete in some interesting games. Dizzy bat relay, mattress surfing, dodge ball, to name a few. It also doesn’t help that the whole school is watching.
Out of all the games played that day, the dodgeball game was exceptionally tense. Senior Brady Plunkett said when asked about the match “It was a pretty intense match with the freshman being right by us, we had to get them out quick.” As the game dwindled on and his teammates started dropping left and right until Plunkett was the last man standing, the senior grade watched on in suspense. When asked about how it felt to be the last man standing, Plunkett responded, “It was pretty stressful. I was like, aw crap, I can’t lose this now”. Unfortunately for Plunkett, he alone could not stop the onslaught from the other grades, and he was hit out.
In between the games, the school warmed up their spirit with performances by the Color guard, band, cheer, dance, and Black and Gold Band.
The Black and Gold Band was the soundtrack to the mini o. Eli Ruth, a senior, is bass guitarist in the band. When asked about what it was like to play in front of everyone he said “It’s great it’s my first time ever playing bass live in front of an audience like that.” Every great audience needs an abundant amount of energy. When asked about the energy in the room Ruth said “It’s really loud and the vibe is crazy but it’s a good time”
After all the games and pageantry there is still one challenge that faces the students. An ugly, gritty, unforgiving tug of war. The grades go head to head to see who truly has the most muscle.
In the Mini Olympics there can only be one winner and this year, like most years, the seniors came away victorious.
The Mini Olympics is competitive, but there is still something that feels quite unifying about it. During the games there was a happy chatter in the air. In the background of almost every photo you can find someone with a genuine smile. Students were not reluctant but eager and engaged to compete in the somewhat embarrassing games, and they were having fun doing them. There was an overwhelming sense of joy in the air and that joy was shared together by all grades. In a time where it seems like people are more divided, it is important that we still look for things that embody hope and joy because those things truly have power to bring even the most different people together. The Mini Olympics might just be another pep rally but it really is a good example that community can still exist through our shared joy. So I implore you to look for the good around you because we are always better together. And if you ever find yourself at NHS on homecoming Friday buckle up for a wild ride.
