At this year’s Volleyball-a-thon event on January 13, Hockinson Middle School students battled in volleyball competitions to raise funds for Parents Working Together (PWT) from 6pm to almost midnight. After a series of 10-minute games, team Pretty Princess Turtles won the student volleyball competitions. The event raised over $2000 for Parents Working Together (PWT.)
Team Pretty Princess Turtles participants Cassidy Barrows, Emilie Willis, Lucas Wray, Parker Wilhelm, Evelyn Matson, Lauren McEllrath, Thomas Burckhard, Arlee Hoge, and Ryan Alberts celebrate the highest win percentage during the event. Volleyball-a-thon is a fundraiser, but also a student bonding activity.
“Volleyball-a-thon is a great event for building our positive school culture,” said Meredith Gannon, Hockinson Middle School principal. “First, it is student-driven. Students elect their teams and the theme for their costumes. Second, the event is a chance to have fun with peers. Students stay at school until 11:30 p.m. and have time to socialize and share snacks and activities between their matches.”
“It’s also a lot of fun for our staff to interact with the kids outside of the school setting. This year's staff team consisted of our school principal, teachers, paraeducators, and coaches,” said Gannon.
The funds raised at this event will help to purchase spirit wear shirts for incoming sixth graders and new students at Hockinson Middle School.