A culmination of a years work of preparation was put on display on May 3 for what many students say is their favorite day of the year, Spirit Night.

On that Friday, students were eager to reveal the final products of the mural, video, dance, chant, t-shirt, and display for all to see. Students and faculty alike packed the hallways and commons to appreciate each grade’s completed work. The themes this year included Freshman Fortune, Sophomore Speedway, Junior Jungle, and Senior Surf’s Up.

The murals and displays this year were especially outstanding. The masterpiece paintings and commons displays were a testament to the talent and creativity brought out from students on this day. The junior’s setup was chosen as first place with little debate. Their jungle themed display featured real soil, rain forest sound effects, and other unique features to set it apart from the other grades. Junior Payton Altman was the one responsible for creating the winning arrangement.

For the mural, however, Laurel Walsh led the seniors to first place with her important contribution in this area. Her work with the brush was skillful and separated the seniors as the best.

As part of the traditional spirit night routine, each grade is allowed a period in the auditorium to learn their chant. This was the first opportunity for the classes to be all together with their own grade, everyone dressed in their themed t-shirts. Chants are usually overlooked in the lineup of spirit night events, but they add a great element of fun for all the grades, and the juniors secured first place in this category.

Additionally, throughout the day, videos made by each grade were shown in class to the entire school. Students are given the creative freedom to make their own story line in a movie related to Spirit Night. These 10 minute films feature all-student directing and acting, and are a highlight of everyone’s Spirit Night experience. The first place finish was given to the seniors, director Joey Dunphey receiving total praise for his impressive production. However, school was only the start of the fun that day.

Once school finished and the students returned, the gym was quickly filled. Howling students electrified the air, onlookers appearing mesmerized by the sea of students cheering and yelling, packed like sardines into the bleachers.

Students chanted and supported their fellow classmates as several relay games and challenges were played. Balloon Pop, Tic-Tac-Toe, Scooter, Hula Hoop, and other relays were competitive between the grades.

Dances performed by each class were practiced for countless hours over a period of several months. Each grade thrilled the crowd with their remarkable moves. The freshman started off their four-year run with incredibly strong choreography and great music. In the end, the senior dance, choreographed by Lenah Chedid, Jillian Terreri, Clare Hanlon, Corinne Leoni, and Jillian Gulla, took first place, shocking the crowd and judges with its emotional ending.

The seniors felt it was extremely bittersweet to have won their second Spirit Night during their last year at HHS. After the dance, many of the students were crying and hugging each other. “Spirit Night was so exciting this year, especially for the seniors because it was our last one, and everyone involved made it really special for our class,” said senior Jill Terreri.

Spirit Night is truly a night like no other. Only HHS students are able to experience the thrill that this day brings. Spirit Night? More like Spirit Life.