Bonds

Jerome Ramirez

In a fit to print a picture of ‘the Doctor,’ Jonathan Lafferty (12) directed the mouse frantically back and forth on the computer screen. With a sigh of relief, he heard the printer come to life. Just in time, Bena Mauger (12) joined him. Together, they scrambled out the door, excited to meet their eighth-grade buddies.

On a warm and humid Saturday morning (November 12^th), seniors and their eighth-grade buddies, bonded through a series of fun activities that challenged groups to cooperate, persevere, and fill their hungry stomachs.

Craning their necks for a bite, students strived to beat their partners at devouring the doughnut the fastest. Win or lose, not one person left the room with a growling belly. Next up, partners (consisting of one eighth-grader and at least one senior) gathered up the courage to play a round of apple bobbing. After mustering up enough willpower, heads plunged into the unexplainable “murky” water left behind from previous trials. Some rose victoriously from the water with an apple lodged between their jaws, and some came up with a mixed face of confusion, as well as disgust. On the bright side, all who participated received soaked “mops” for hair. Speaking of luck, brave individuals donned blindfolds then grabbed slices of fruit or vegetables (each skewered through with toothpicks). From then on, faces either cringed at the strong pang of freshly-cut onions or rejoiced at the welcome, sweet, and familiar taste of apples.

Unfortunately enough, the festivities reached an end. As a last hurrah, the two grades flocked to the Student Center. Sponsors and seniors distributed sweets such as brownies, more doughnuts, and a variety of soda. It’s safe to say that the camaraderie during, and overall lighthearted of, the event solidified acquaintances into lifelong relationships.