It’s been an eventful week for many families with school starting and the 14th annual Pink Arrow game played on Thursday. Here’s a look back at the highlights from the past few days.
The start of the school year wasn’t without controversy. While Lowell Area Schools had previously decided to allow parents to choose whether to send students to class in masks, the Kent County Health Department issued an order last Friday requiring they be worn by students and staff in grades P-6. This left some parents feeling relieved and others feeling angry.
Despite the debate, buses started rolling on Tuesday morning for Lowell Area Schools students.
Last year, LAS kicked off the school year with a hybrid system that combined in-person and online learning. In 2021, the district returned to a traditional in-person learning schedule although virtual learning reportedly remains an option.
The start of every school year seems to combine the new with the old. This year, the new included the option for high school seniors to personalize and paint their parking spaces.
Meanwhile, what’s old — but never grows old — is the sense of community that can be found in each school building.
The first week of school for LAS students ran from Tuesday through Thursday. Meanwhile, at St. Patrick School, the first day of school was a scheduled half day on Wednesday and was supposed to be followed by full days on Thursday and Friday.
However, with the heat index soaring and most classrooms without air conditioning, the school dismissed students early for the rest of the week.
On Thursday night, it was time to don the pink shirts and head to Bob Perry Stadium at Lowell High School for Pink Arrow XIV.
While the football game is the main event, festivities actually start much earlier. At 3:30pm, the volleyball team played in a scrimmage…
…while the soccer team took on Forest Hills Eastern. The score in that game was 2-1 with the win going to FHE.
As the games were happening, volunteers were busy weaving together fabric strips as part of a planned ArtPrize entry.
At 6pm, the survivor and honoree tribute began. During the Pink Arrow game, cheerleaders and the football team play in honor of cancer survivors and those who have lost their life to cancer.
The line of honorees and players extended the whole length of the football field.
Next up was the Lowell High School Marching Band to instill a little school spirit.
The referees arrived…
…followed by the Mona Shores Sailors.
Finally, the Lowell Pink Arrows took to the field amid cheers from fans.
Then it was time for the National Anthem…
…and let the game begin!
It was a tough game for Lowell against the two-time defending state champions Mona Shores. The final score was 56-14 in Mona Shores favor.
However, the beautiful thing about the Pink Arrow game — which honors families facing cancer and raises money for their support — is that even when we lose, we all still win.
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