Traditionally, Powderpuff is a history-entangled gender-swapping phenomenon of high school culture. Females take on the role of hard-headed football players, while the males step into the shoes of their pom-pom-wearing counterparts. This event has been a core part of South Brunswick High School’s school culture. I was told it once drew lines wrapping around corners. Covid, of course, put an end to that, but student council and class councils have been busy preparing for it’s return.
Fliers began appearing at the end of April, advertising applications for spirit squad members, players, and coaches, all organized by student council. While the last two roles seem self-explanatory enough, the spirit squad is responsible for much of the excitement surrounding the event. This past week, they’ve been busy decorating the cafeterias. The amount of hard-work from everyone has been admirable, with teams practicing in temperatures reaching 90 degrees and above. The attendance has reflected that enthusiasm as well. Dr. Harlee Olsen, the activities coordinator, explained that this year has had the “highest attendance in recent years,” with student involvement reaching around 320 people. “So, we are significantly increasing the amount of kids that are participating.”
After the collection of applications, Dr. Olsen laughed, saying, “And now is when we turn it over to your class advisors to run the practices for the players, and advise the spirit squad decoration.” At the end, she added, “Over the next week or so, you’re going to start seeing all of the cafeteria’s start to get decorated.” As an inexperienced freshman, I absent-mindedly nodded along, but by the end of prep week, her words had come to fruition.
The annex cafeteria, designated for the class of 2029, was decked out, banners and balloons, fliers, and bubbles; not a single detail seemed left unconsidered.
Spirit squad member Ariba Ahmad (‘29) gave me some insight into the work they’d put in throughout the week. “It’s been fun! The event is fun and we want our cafeteria’s to reflect that.” The conversation switched back onto me, and When asked what position I was playing, I laughed. “Left bench.”
Freshman Advisor Ms. Kelly Boyer, who happens to be very competitive, gave some insight into the freshman’s approach: “Our ‘29 class is going with the theme, freeze them out, hoping for a scoreless game (or two). So we’re going with the cold front, the cold shoulder, cold everything.”
The game, originally scheduled for Wednesday May 20th will now be played Thursday May 21st due to inclement weather. Admission is free, with donations and Kona Ice available throughout the games. All donations will go toward the state student council, specifically its crisis response canines program, an organization that brings therapy dogs and counselors to locations in need free of charge.
Who will come out as this year’s champion? Show up tonight to watch, and be sure to check back in with the Viking Vibe next week for my full recap.
