Article by Phoenix writer Isabel Connolly ’23:
With the end of the year approaching quickly, Kellenberg students are starting to prepare for the new challenges and responsibilities that come with the change of school years. This is especially seen with the juniors, as they brace for new roles of experience and leadership as seniors. However, celebrations are necessary points of relaxation before students kick off their preparations, and the juniors commemorate with two thrilling spirit days.
On May 19 the students awoke to what seemed to be a rainy day ahead. The students were not deterred, however. They kept up their enthusiasm as they drove down to the local amusement park, Adventureland, where they enjoyed exclusive access to exhilarating rides such as Turbulence, Frisbee, and the Musik Express.
One student who attended, Scarlett Wrage said, “I had such a blast going on the pirate ship with my friends. Even with the rain it was still a great day and so exciting to go.”
The next day the juniors came in to attend the May Crowning service on a beautiful day. Following the service, the juniors went into the auditorium for the distribution of their class rings, activity pins, and senior leadership pins. The distribution of class rings was a symbolic step toward the students’ next chapter as they prepare for their final year at Kellenberg. Whether or not the students received activity pins for clubs, each student received the unique senior leadership pin which symbolized the role and responsibility the juniors were stepping into as the new leaders of the school.
After the last name was called up, the students went to change into their field day clothes. Each junior was given a specially designed shirt to wear in the same color as the rest of his or her homeroom.
The students then went out to the fields to one of three stations. One station had frisbees, corn hole and a gaga ball pit. Another station had carnival games such as ring toss, along with foosball tables and gaming trucks. At the carnival games, students were able to earn tickets to get one of the assorted stuffed animal prizes. The students were so eager that within an hour the prizes had already sold out. The third station included a place for lunch and a karaoke station. Students could put in requests and perform in front of their peers to classic party songs including Katy Perry’s Firework and Village People’s Y.M.C.A.. Some of the faculty even participated, with Mr. Huggard joining in on a rendition of Miley Cyrus’ Party in the U.S.A. and Brother Roger Poletti, S.M., singing Long Island native Billy Joel’s Billy the Kid. The talented singers and vocally challenged alike had fun belting out the lyrics to their favorite songs.
After an incredible two days, the junior spirit days culminated in the Junior Ring Banquet. The juniors were provided dinner and dance to celebrate their achievements and future success. It was a wonderful end to an exciting two days for the juniors.