Wrapping up Student Achievement’s College and Career week on Friday, Oct. 17, Rancho Cucamonga High School staff battled against each other with an annual dodgeball game during both lunches. The much-awaited game commenced, and students quickly flocked around a marked-off area in the main quad to watch teachers and admin clash.
As music played in the background, teachers entered the makeshift arena, adorned in Rancho’s school colors. The staff split into two sides, ready to attack. Contenders ranged from RCHS principal Mr. Azande Aikens to physical education teacher Mr. Matt Garner to graphics teacher Ms. Lisset Arredondo, and many more. While this event has been a long tradition on campus, starting back in 2002, this year there was an addition of a new player, Assistant Principal of Discipline, Mr. Andreas Solorzano (Solo). Other staff agreed that Solo fit right in.
“He’s good, he brings good energy. I loved having him on my team,”math teacher Mr. David Lee said.
However, no matter who they were, it was an all-out effort from the staff. Throwing and dodging, the RCHS teachers, admin, and additional staff were truly focused on the game.
“I emptied the gas tank. We won. Come game two, I was done,” Lee said.
Cheering from the sidelines and rooting on their favorite teachers, students were truly riled up from the energy. Many students came to support their favorite staff and see the game unfold.
“I’m having so much fun. It’s such a lively event, and I love watching all the teachers I know play,” sophomore Ivy Siahaan said. “I was so hyped to see Mrs. Martineau because she’s my queen, and I like seeing Mr. Solo as well.”
To prepare for the event, Student Achievement made a bulletin segment featuring Solo and Aikens while also promoting the game throughout the week. In the days prior, staff were also preparing for the game mentally.
Assistant Principal of Instruction Dr. Sherry Berwick voiced how she came to watch her fellow staff face off against each other. Berwick shared what the staff did to get ready.
“They’ve been talking about it, they’ve been talking about doing their stretches, and getting ready. So, they’ve been siking themselves up for this,” Berwick said. “I think it’s great that the staff comes out to do this for school spirit, and students gather all around to watch.”
One of the participating staff, English teacher Ms. Elyse Martineau, described how she was anticipating the event and even left an off-campus meeting to come back there for it. She explained why she joined the game.
“I think the kids enjoy it, so we enjoy it, we do it for them, not for ourselves,” Martineau said.
The overall consensus from staff was that they enjoyed getting to play in this event, but most of all, that this was for the students.
