BY KAYLA GATES
Blasting music, dancing students, competitive games and loads of food filled the CCHS baseball fields on Thursday, November 15. CCHS’s annual Stampede fundraiser offered a wide variety of activities for students to partake in. Thanks to the Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) and its many volunteers, students were able to raise money for their school while participating in a unique experience.
The Stampede took place during A and B lunches. To participate, students purchased a $25 ticket, which will go towards new classroom supplies, such as laptop carts and smartboards. Those students then received a wristband that excused them from their third period and granted them access to the event.
“The best part was seeing all of the students having fun out there.”
Stampede is CCHS’s biggest fundraiser of the year. Due to its magnitude, the event required the help of many in order to transpire. Both the members of the PTSA and volunteers worked before, during and after the event, and were responsible for the entire event from its conception to its execution.
The Stampede was created and run by the PTSA. The group organized the event’s activities and sponsors and also sold tickets to students during their lunch periods. They worked for hours the day prior in order to set up tents and displays on the baseball field.
“I was so happy to be able to work with such a wonderful team,” volunteer Dawn Ferrelli said. “The best part was seeing all of the students having fun out there.”
As students made their way outside to the baseball fields Thursday morning, the forecast showed rain all afternoon. With dark clouds looming over Cooper City, the possibility of rain threatened the event’s occurrence. However, as the day progressed, the sun emerged and allowed the Stampede to proceed.
The Stampede offered a wide variety of activities, from games to food. The week leading up to the event featured an array of raffles. Students had the opportunity to win gift cards and baskets from sponsors. The grand prize consisted of two tickets to a Miami Heat game, which was announced the following day.
“This was my first Stampede, and it was fun,” freshman Marie Harlen said.
During the Stampede, a long list of sponsors provided food for the attendees, including Menchies, Rosie’s Italian Ices and Nothing Bundt Cakes. The school also provided pizza, popcorn, ice pops and catered Italian food.
The event included a wide range of activities for students of all grade levels to enjoy. A returning favorite was the foam pit, in which students were soaked in bubbles. The inflatable obstacle courses were also popular among the attendees and were accompanied by long lines. The displays also consisted of games, temporary tattoos, massages and face paint. Music accompanied the festivities, putting students on their feet as they danced in one large group.
“My favorite activity was the foam pit,” freshman Elle Royes said. “It felt good after walking around in the sun.”
As the day came to a close, students filed out of the field with their faces decorated and clothes soaked. While many were satisfied with the time they had, others dreaded the idea of returning to class. Overall, students of all grade levels described the experience as a great time.
“This was my first Stampede, and it was fun,” freshman Marie Harlen said. “I had a blast with all my friends.”
All in all, students, faculty and volunteers described this year’s Stampede as a success. The PTSA managed to sell almost 1,000 tickets, which exceeds previous years. With the amount of effort put into the event, students were able to enjoy a day of festivities for a great cause.
Photo by Cassie Hartmann
