EHS Student Council has just finished its busiest time of the year: homecoming. This group of students, led by Mrs. Aleman, has not slowed down and continues to plan events for the fall season. Their most recent event includes a pickle ball tournament, in which students and staff will play during Access on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
All EHS students and staff were welcome to join as long as they signed up before Oct. 27 at the end of the school day. To sign up, each team was required to pay $10 total. StuCo decided to use all the money collected as a cash prize and give it to the winners of the tournament. The team that ends up victorious will walk away with 200 dollars in their pocket.
This event is similar to last year’s badminton tournament, also put on by Student Council. The tournament ran smoothly, and it was a great time for all who participated. The championship game of the badminton tournament was held in front of the whole school, and P.E. teacher, Mr. Grable, and Principal, Mrs. Grable, ended on top. Given the tournament’s popularity, StuCo wanted to do something similar this year. They decided to change the sport to pickle ball because it was what the freshman P.E. class was doing, and it seemed like many students and staff were interested in participating.
The first games of the tournament will take place on Oct. 28, and this will mark the start of bracket play. The Access class periods on Oct. 30, Nov. 4, and Nov. 6 will all include bracket play as well. The date of the championship is still undetermined, but it is a date every doubles team hopes to make it to.
The culture at EHS is so strong because of events like this tournament. The tournament is not only a chance to compete with a friend, but also to meet new friends in other grades. With the participation of teachers, it can also give students a chance to meet teachers whose class they have not taken yet. “It brings everyone together,” said Mrs. Aleman. “I think it is important for students to see their teachers not in a classroom.”
For some, the tournament presented itself as an entertaining pass time during Access. “It sounded like something fun to do during Access, and I’m competitive,” said Mr. Adams. He used the first day of bracket play as a sort of “test-run” as he had never played pickle ball before. Mr. Adams learned quickly, as he is an excellent tennis player. He is joined by his partner, Mrs. Sirios, and the two are hopeful they will end the tournament on top. “We play the Grables next, so if we can make it through that, the rest of my side of the bracket seems soft,” said Mr. Adams.
Mrs. Aleman, who is the head of StuCo, wants to keep fun events going for the school all year long. Since taking the club over two years ago, she has been able to transform it into something special. She has made it a priority, along with Student Body President Raelynn Bartel, to ensure they are hosting an event at least once a month. Currently, they are hosting the pickleball tournament and a fall window painting contest. These small events help bring joy and life to the school.
