Building pyramids, sledding, tug-of-war, shooting free throws, and many other activities have defined Snowblast week for 30 plus years. During the freezing month of February, teams composed of students, teachers, and administrators have participated in a wide variety of winter-themed competitions and dress-up days in hopes of racking up enough points to win a fabulous prize. It took a global pandemic to press pause on this rite of winter.

Principal Erin Kohl appreciates the importance this event holds to students and staff.

“Snowblast is a long-standing tradition that builds community and school spirit,” she said. “It creates a sense of belonging and strengthens relationships. I also love that it provides a break from the day-to-day routine when the winter blues start to set in for people.”

While far from the rigorous days of yore, the modified version of Snowblast was tailored to follow COVID safety guidelines while still preserving the fun.

“I think that along with most things during this crazy year, we had to be innovative and come up with something fun, yet still distant and safe,” junior student council member Sydney Butz said. “Although this wasn’t the normal Snowblast week, I think it provided something for the students to look forward to, to make the school days more exciting.”

Junior student council member Jarrett Schiedemeyer was involved in the Snowblast design process and helped work out details to adapt to students being separated into cohorts.

“The event was created by the Student Council this year; we decided to have three days because A day and B day students are on opposite days so we have to duplicate whatever happens on Monday on Tuesday,” he said. “On Monday we had the start of the coin drive, a Quizlet game during homeroom, a virtual activity as a scavenger hunt, and a comfy PJ day.”

This year's hybrid Snowblast included a scavenger hunt on Monday and Tuesday, a Snowman contest on Wednesday, and a Kahoot trivia on Thursday and Friday. Butz handled much of the publicity for the week, posting about upcoming events and announcements on the Instagram page. She also helped organize other activities to prepare Snowblast.

“I was on the dress-up committee, so I, along with others in Student Council, decided upon some fun and easy dress-up days to get students and teachers involved,” she said. “I also helped brainstorm other ideas and events, like the homeroom coin drive for Aurora Oshkosh Cancer Care Center.”

Even during this season of hybrid learning, the group continued to highlight the aspects of community by providing multiple ways for students to participate.

“The Student Council did a great job providing some fun virtual options and I know some of our classes did their own versions of Snowblast with their students,” Kohl said. “I think teachers were really creative about making the week fun for students.”

Kohl encourages students to remain hopeful for future years’ events.

“Snowblast is, well...a blast! Don't miss out on the fun,” she said. “Participants will not regret it! If you didn't participate this year, you will absolutely want to get involved next year when we return to the more usual Snowblast festivities.”

With many years of Snowblast under their belts, teachers and students alike have numerous fond memories.

“I participated in Snowblast my sophomore and junior year and it was the best,” senior Avery Saginak said. “I really enjoyed the tug-of-war event because last year my team made it to the final four, and the gym was always so loud and crazy during the matches. The friendly competition was always lots of fun!”

Along with providing healthy competition, this event has also created unlikely bonds among students.

“Snowblast has helped me make friends from other teams and even on my own teams, including staff members I may not have known very well before,” Saginak said. “It’s a week you get to look forward to that gives you sort of a brain break from school.”

Teachers and staff have participated by hosting the events and joining in on the activities with their team. Health teacher Wayne Gerharz has been participating for over 35 years and remembers Snowblast’s earlier traditions.

“I always enjoyed the competitive tug-of-war, especially when held in the courtyard by the F-room and art rooms,” he said. “We used to have the tug of war and the pyramid build competition outside.”

With old traditions prevailing despite COVID-19, many look back on their past years with fondness. Junior Lauren Best is grateful for the relationships she has created.

“Snowblast has impacted me for the better as I have had some of the best high school memories because of it,” she said. “From the dress-up days to the competitions, it is all so fun and I love that there are so many different competitions that people can participate in.”

With games and competition bridging the gap between students and teachers, the frosty festivity has never disappointed..

“It is important to participate in Snowblast because it is something that will truly give you some of the best high school memories,” Saginak said. “It not only makes you even closer with your teammates, but also gives you so many amazing activities to be a part of.”

By T. Funnell, E. Nessman

Oshkosh West Index Volume 117 Issue V

February 26th, 2021

Covid dims Snowblast light, but flame still burns