The Class of 2012 is successful in carrying on the tradition of Senior Sleepout.
Photo by Maddi Doro
On the night of August 17, 2011 the senior class gathered at 6:00 p.m. on the softball field for the second annual Senior Sleepout, an event in which 12th graders camp out at the school and wake up bright and early to welcome the freshmen on their first day of school.
The Sleepout is a tradition that aims at welcoming the freshmen to high school and into the TJ community, as well as allowing the senior class to bond over a fun night of camping. The event took over three months in planning and coordinating food, bathrooms, and chaperones. “Organizing it was a lot of work but it was worth it once it came together. We visited several Einstein’s that kindly donated bagels for us to have in the morning, and had to go to the grocery store to get all the food. I thought the night went really well because everyone seemed to really enjoy it,” said Senior Daniel Wakefield.
The Sleepout included – with great parental support – a BBQ for all the students, parents, faculty members, and administrators who attended. Before it got dark out the students enjoyed playing frisbee, football, and capture the flag. At 9:30 p.m. when it began getting dark outside, students set up a projector and screen to watch a movie before lights out. “My favorite part was spending the night with my friends and getting to enjoy a good last night of summer. The movie was funny and a good way to end the night before we all headed to our tents,” said Senior Cole Stewart.
On the night of the Sleepout, the seniors celebrated the birthday of one of their fellow classmates, Mitchell Moore. During the evening, everyone came together and sang Mitchell happy birthday and enjoyed some birthday cake made especially for the occasion by some of his friends. “I liked when everyone sang me Happy Birthday; it meant a lot that they baked me cakes and could celebrate with me. It was a great night that made my birthday really fun and special,” said Moore.
Photo by Maddi Doro
In the morning the seniors woke up at 5:30 to clean up the field, pick up their tents, and to greet the freshmen on their way into school. The seniors set up bagels and cream cheese for the newcomers to enjoy and made a human tunnel to walk through. “Sleepout went well, I did not spend the night, but I heard it went very well. It was nice to see the seniors enjoy themselves and come together as a class. We were very happy with the welcome to the freshmen the next morning. It was great to see them up early ready to greet the freshmen and welcome them into the Spartan family,” said Principal Sandra Just.
The Sleepout could not have taken place without the support of a great number of faculty members and parents who helped facilitate the event. The class got together six adults willing to spend the night and lose some sleep to help the seniors have a great night. “I thought Sleepout was fun. It went very well with only minor issues from students who were not part of the Sleepout. My favorite part was the free dinner and seeing the kids all enjoy a fun night,” said Senior Class Sponsor Stacey Fornstrom.
The class of 2012 would like to thank all those who helped the event be a great success:
Einstein’s Bagels
Noodles & Company
Lisa Hansen
Karen Jefferson
Aimee Witulski
Lispin Kuruvilla
Amber Wilson
Stacey Founstrom
Jon Poole
Kendra Black
Delia Stewart
Pam Wakefield
