It may be hard to believe that second semester is already halfway over, but the beginning of the annual Sweepstakes Drive provided us with a stark reminder of that fact.

The Sweepstakes Drive, which takes place from March 18 to April 22, encourages students to sell raffle tickets to their friends and families in order to raise funds for the school.  Students are motivated to sell tickets by the promise of out-of-uniform privileges and school days off.

Like Spirit Week, this fundraiser brings out the competitive spirit among the grades, with the entire school competing for an extra day off.  What makes Sweepstakes so unique, however, is the tradition of the kickoff assembly.  At this assembly, each grade creates a video that pokes fun at the other classes and helps to get their classmates into the Sweepstakes spirit.

The staff also does their part to motivate the school by creating a Maroon vs. Gold dance off video.  If the school reaches the overall goal of $145,000, the teachers involved will compete live at the closing assembly.

However, many students were surprised to learn that they will have to sell an extra book of tickets this year to gain out of uniform privileges (seven books, as opposed to the previous minimum of six books).

The assembly concluded with a surprising twist.  The Varsity Ice Hockey team, which recently won State Championships, took the stage to be recognized for their accomplishment.  The entire school cheered as Mrs. Witte announced a day off in their honor…. just in case the three incentive days were not enough.