Published: 10/2/2019 9:09:01 AM
Modified: 10/2/2019 9:08:54 AM
Athol High School (AHS) is holding its biggest event of the year with more than half of the student body attending! The 4th annual Lock In is on Friday, Oct. 25, from 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. immediately following the Easthampton football game. The event will take place at AHS and all students are encouraged to participate. The Lock In was created in 2016 to increase student participation in school related activities. Each year the attendance grows exponentially.
Headed by Donna Lajoie, and greatly supported by parents, students and the Athol community, students are invited to participate in various activities while being "locked in" at the high school overnight. Activities include various tournaments in volleyball and flag football, karaoke, video and board games, corn hole, cupcake and pumpkin decorating, t-shirt dying and many more throughout the night.
Newly appointed principal Dave King understands the commitment it takes for this event saying, “These types of events don’t happen in many other high schools. Therefore, this event is also a display of the tremendous dedication of Mrs. Lajoie, other staff members, parents and community businesses, all pulling together to provide a special memorable night for our students.” When questioned about the benefit to the children in our community, Mrs. Lajoie stated, “…the aspect that [she] most enjoy[s] every year is how much the kids are distracted from their cell phones for that one night and act[ing] like kids use to act by enjoying a night of innocent fun with their peers."
Parent and chaperone, Lonnie Bonenfant, encourages the importance of kids being kids. Her son Jack is an 11th grader at AHS. Jack says, "The Lock In is an opportunity to spend quality time with my friends, some that I may not have classes with every day, eat great food and share in the pride of being an Athol Red Raider!"
To make this event successful donations are needed. Food items such as cases of water, chicken tenders, pizzas, mozzarella sticks, veggie and fruit platters and bake goods are requested. In addition to food, the students seek donations of a bounce house, tie dye materials, pumpkins, apples and un-frosted cupcakes. Thank you to those who have already donated. If you are interested in supporting our youth by donating any item please contact Donna Lajoie at dlajoie@arrsd.org or 978-249-2435. Please remember, parent pick-up from this event is required.
Tammy Duquette
ARRSD School Committee Member