Hockinson Middle School’s annual Volleyball-a-thon served up another unforgettable night of fun, teamwork, and community pride. This year’s event drew 234 student participants – nearly half of the entire student body! Assisted by a team of 42 dedicated parent chaperones, 28 teams rotated through quick 10-minute matches that kept the gym buzzing with excitement until nearly midnight.
While this ASB event is all about building a positive school culture, it also serves as HMS’s biggest fundraiser of the year. The October 3rd event raised over $7,600 to support future ASB events, athletics, and student clubs.
HMS Principal Bess Colpron credits the record turnout to the school’s ongoing efforts to foster belonging and cultivate engaging student events. Staff have made it a point to talk with students about how getting involved helps them feel connected to their school. She added that sharing photos and highlights from school events on HMS’s social media pages has also played a large role; when students see what the experience is like, they are more likely to get excited and join in next time.
This year’s champions were the 8th Grade Volleyball Team, who not only won the most games against their classmates but also defeated the staff in a spirited match. The team was comprised of Grace Cannon, Darby Barrows, Aliyah Flores, Harper Roy, Pyper Perkins, Aubree Bauer, Aryssa Capel, Anessa Passee, and Jolene Worthington.
"Volleyball-a-thon truly represents the heart of HMS. Our students bring incredible energy and sportsmanship, and our parents and staff jump right in to support them,” Colpron said. “It's a great example of what happens when everyone comes together for our kids."