Homecoming week is right around the corner, and preparations are underway to make it a memorable celebration for Faith Lutheran students. The student council has been working hard to turn the soccer field into “A Night in Athens” with beautiful decorations to go along with this year’s theme. With the homecoming football game, dress up days, and the exciting dance, Faith Lutheran’s school spirit is at an all time high.
A special event leading up to the dance is the annual powderpuff game. While many students play a game of football, faculty at Faith Lutheran put their own twist on the tradition and have decided that this year students will be playing a fun-filled game of kickball. Each grade level plays one another, and whatever grade goes undefeated is declared the winner. For powderpuff, the girls become the players, while boys coach them to victory. The powderpuff game is set to occur on Tuesday, September 16th, and guarantees lots of laughs, happy memories, and friendly competition. Vienna Niotta, student council member, explains “as a publicity representative, my group creates a homecoming week schedule, which includes powderpuff, to help spread awareness of the upcoming events to hopefully get more participation.” She also informs the student body of how the student council “creates an individual post for Powderpuff alone to remind people to sign up and send emails to the student body for sign-ups.”
Powderpuff is an entertaining, American tradition that high schools have taken part in since the 1950s. For many students, the experience of playing with students they may not know is more valuable than winning; the bond students form from this game is unbreakable and students are always proud to represent their class.
Julia Shaw, a junior at Faith Lutheran, recalls playing her freshman year and the impact it had on her. “ My favorite memory was beating other teams, and scoring against the seniors as a freshman,” she said. “ It brought our class closer together as we all bonded over playing and working together. I would say just to have fun during the game, and not focus on trying to be the best.” Shaw’s advice supports the idea that powderpuff is a unique experience that comes from the playful competition between grades.
The players aren’t the only ones who walk away with fun memories. The coaches who prep their teams leading up to the night, also have their own opinions on the game. “ Powerpuff can be a challenge to coach because the players don’t always listen, but it was fun,” explained past coach Everett St. Hill (class of 2027). He continues by saying the team “ did have some real strategies, but should have taken more time to work on the plays we put in.” St. Hill suggests that “Powderpuff did build school spirit by allowing players and coaches to be competitive against other grades.” His perspective on the game shows how the game isn’t boring or uneventful, it is a challenge that students should bring energy and excitement to.
Leading up to the game, the student council plays an important role in bringing the game to life. Niotta expresses how “the council as a whole has to find field availability for Powderpuff to occur, equipment to set up, and MCs to broadcast the night.” The student council spends hours putting together the event in order that the game runs smoothly, including jerseys for the teams and announcers to make them game more exciting and offical.
Just like Shaw and St. Hill, the tradition of powderpuff carries a deeper meaning than just a kickball game to Niotta. “I think this tradition is important to continue because it brings a sense of community within each grade when competing against each other, more momentum going into the homecoming event, helps create long-lasting memories. It also provides a chance for girls who don’t usually play sports to try something new. I hope that students take away great memories with their friends and also a great perspective on powderpuff, in hopes to participate again next year.”
Powderpuff is more than a game. Whether it is the thrill of a new sport and competition, the chance to bond with classmates, or cheering from the sidelines, the event offers something for everyone. If you would like to partake in the game, you can sign up by completing this google form, to talk to Mrs. Seals. Student council hopes to see you there!
Photo Credits: @fl_stucohs on Instagram. Taken from the 2023-2024 school year.
