Frigid winds with even colder rain and low temperatures may bring low spirits, but despite the weather, the spirit of powderpuff players was not cold on Tuesday night November at Norwin High School stadium.
Norwin Powerpuff players in grades 9-12 were fighting for their win while raising money for Pittsburgh Toys for Tikes.
The experience benefited so many parents, students, players, and children for this holiday season as a result of the donations from the Powderpuff game. None of this would have been possible without the coordination of junior Miya Valecko since this is not a Norwin school sponsored event. Valecko coordinated the entire event, as well as played, and put in a lot of effort to make the event enjoyable and successful.
“All of the money, donations and benefits will go towards the Pittsburgh Toys for Tikes foundation which is a foundation that goes to helping children who are less fortunate during the holidays providing them with toys and such,” Valecko said. “I knew that so many girls were eager to participate this year as they were last year. The cause is so great and I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to organize an event like this.”
The event had many different features including a food stand, a 50-50 raffle, a school photographer (‘Joe Media’), and announcements by Norwin’s very own senior Anthony Olshanki. Admission for the game was a toy in its original packaging, a monetary donation of $5 and up, or both.
Valecko received a lot of help last minute from sophomores Noah Carney, and seniors Joe Topolosky and Dylan DelBianco, who very willingly worked as chain-men in the cold and raining weather. Many Norwin students including juniors Erica Moffatt andMackenize Wray as well as sophomore Rylee Pavel helped tremendously with working interviews
The games consisted of Freshmen v. Sophomores at 6:00 pm and Juniors v. Seniors at 7:30 pm. Each game was made up of two 35 minute halves with running clock until the final 2:00 of each game. The Junior Team won the game 42-22 over the Seniors.
“I loved getting to play with athletes I wouldn’t normally play with,” Kendall Berger, junior quarterback said about the victory over the seniors. “All of my friends and I really enjoyed ourselves.”
The Freshmen Team defeated the Sophomores by a score of 27-20 in the first game.
“It was a fun, exciting, challenging, and new,” Lillian Holtzman, sophomore Powderpuff quarterback said. “It was good, frustrating at times, but I’m gonna do it every year that it’s going on.”
The players were not the only ones committed, but the friends and family shivering in the stands to support were committed as well.
“People I know were playing and it was a good experience, I hope it continues in the future,” said spectator, senior Brookelyn Kotch.
Despite the unfortunate weather that occurred on game day, the event received much success. In the end, the event raised $4,300 and boxes full of toys for the Toys for Pittsburgh Tikes foundation.
All forms of people coming together to partake in one of the most influential activities for any girl in high school is nothing short of powerful.
There may have only been a few hours of game time, but the memories will leave a mark for a lifetime.
