Thompson Valley High School in Loveland, Colorado, held a vibrant assembly on Thursday morning, designed to boost school spirit through a series of engaging games. The event, organized by math teacher Tristan Oliver, brought together students from all grade levels for a lively competition that aimed to foster camaraderie and enthusiasm among the student body.
The assembly featured teams representing each grade, each led by student presenters who introduced competitors, announced winners, and maintained the event’s energetic atmosphere. Activities included the classic game of Connect Four, with the highlight being a final match played on a large board set up in the gymnasium. Other games tested students’ skills in stacking plastic cups, balancing cups on a ruler while racing across the gym floor, and shooting foam balls into oversized trash cans.
Oliver, who previously organized a smaller event at Loveland High School, expanded this year’s assembly to coincide with the school’s expanded learning opportunity (ELO) time. This scheduling allowed a larger number of students to participate. “An assembly makes it better for Thompson Valley, giving them more school spirit and culture,” Oliver stated.
Students not directly competing had the chance to cheer for their classmates, with prizes such as TVHS shirts, hats, and lanyards awarded to enthusiastic supporters. The student presenters played a crucial role in energizing the crowd, fostering a student-led atmosphere rather than a teacher-driven one. Freshman presenter Malaika Omollo remarked, “Mr. O was trying to make it more of a student-led thing than a teacher-led thing. It was really fun!”
The call for increased school spirit resonated with many attendees. Sophomore host Evan Lewis expressed concern over declining student participation at events, stating, “Getting everyone to come together to show our school pride, I feel like recently it’s been at its lowest.” Senior presenter Mia Villafranca added, “Even at sporting events, not many kids come out anymore to support and show school spirit. So little things like this can help.”
Among the competitors, juniors Grant and Claire Pierson, who are twins, emerged victorious in the Connect Four tournament, claiming a trophy after defeating the sophomore team. They felt their teamwork was a winning strategy. “It’s bringing our school community together and building a better culture around our school,” Grant noted. “Everybody’s just kind of hanging out, having a good time.”
The assembly not only entertained but also aimed to strengthen the bonds within the school’s community, reflecting a collective effort to enhance school pride and participation. As students like Jeremy Bilodeau and Addison Hessler engaged in cup stacking games, the atmosphere remained electric, showcasing the positive impact such events can have on school culture.
