On October 15th, River Dell High School will host its annual Freshmen Field Day down on the athletic fields.
Filled with action-packed activities, it will provide an opportunity for students to make new friends and ease into high school, all while an opportunity to compete for a trophy. Not only a day for freshmen; the senior peer leaders also join in a coach the freshmen while enjoying a day outdoors.
Rather than using teachers and parent volunteers, River Dell utilizes the students from Mr. Sasso’s Sports Management class, who run each of the events from the tug of war to the scavenger hunt, while the Mrs. Lauterback’s Peer Leaders coach each of the teams.
Several weeks prior to the big day, peer leaders meet with their groups to create a team name and design the team’s uniform, giving them an opportunity to get to know each other. Not only that, but they participate in some team activities, building them up for the intensity of field day.
While freshmen bond with each other and the peer leaders, there is much action taking place behind the scenes. From creating activities to ordering pizza, it requires an organized team to tackle the project.
The Sports Management Class, open to juniors and seniors and taught by Mr. Sasso, oversees planning for the activities on Field Day.
Mr. Sasso had help host Field Day since 2014. Mr. Sasso reflected on the need for collaboration among parties, noting that “Since my class has an event management unit, it would be a practical use of the [class]. It all kind of just made sense.”
The Sports Management class divides up into groups to tackle different activities, from planning the game to obtaining all the materials needed. Mr. Sasso frequently meets with the groups in his class, talks through the ideas proposed by the students, and advises them on how to make it possible. Not only does he provide resources and tips, but he also makes sure to help keep them focused, raising the engagement and intensity of the event.
In addition to those two parties, he also mentions the need for abundance support of the responsible juniors and seniors, mentioning that they are necessary to help operate the activities. The students among his class and Peer Leaders are not enough to operate everything and it is of essence to make sure that there are hardworking and enthusiastic students who help run the events.
The Peer Leaders have different responsibilities in hosting Field Day. Their passion matters for a day like this, as they are leading and supporting the freshmen. They make sure that all involved not only has fun but put their whole heart into the activities. They also must be prepared, as later in the day, there is even more action among the students.
“Things start off slowly, for sure, but they’ll pick up in the latter half of the day,” Mr. Sasso mentioned.
In addition to that, they are responsible for getting food and keeping up team spirit.
As October 15th approaches, the teams are getting ready, the games are being built, and the leaders are firing everyone up.
