On the surface, Wilbraham & Monson Academy held an indoor soccer tournament during school meeting Nov. 2.
However, after peeling back a few layers, it was more than just a bunch of kids playing soccer.
Led by WMA's Student Government, 12 teams competed in a soccer tournament in the gym, with all of the proceeds going toward each grade's class gift.
"The event this morning was a perfect example of what happens when we give students an opportunity to show us what they can do," Head of School Brian Easler said. "Give them a project; give them a goal.
"In this case it was raising some money for their classes so when they become seniors they can choose what they want to do and put their name on to give to the school to memorialize their class forever on campus. This is an example of all of our students taking that intent and making a lively, interactive, fun event on campus."
The idea of a soccer tournament originated from a student government meeting.
"Part of student government is to fundraise within their individual classes," Dean of Residential Life Mike Mannix said. "We talked about getting some competitive events together. We're trying to bolster support and participation, and out of that came indoor soccer and possibly other fun events. Student government put it together and did a good job."
With male and female students from all classes participating, as well as a faculty team, the tournament proved to be entertaining for the spectators, particularly because the play was so close to the audience and most of the games were tightly contested.
"Once the tournament kicked off it went smoothly," organizer Seth Abal Sadeq '18 said. "There was a lot of energy in the crowd and people enjoyed the event. I think it's definitely something we can continue to do in the future with different kinds of sports."
"I think it went really well," Student Government President Nick Gourley '18 added. "Everyone seemed to enjoy it. Student government has been looking for ways to get kids involved with fun events. I think everyone was excited leading up to it and then watching, and we're looking forward to having more of these events in the future."
The team of Peter Bowie '18, Spencer Hemingway '21, Jack Godin '20, Andrew Nagle '18 and Eddie Morin '18 took first place, winning the final 1-0.
