Freshman Event Puts the Fun in Function

While the Freshman Function didn’t get the hype of the Glow Dance, it was a swell way to kick off the year for incoming freshmen. Students played dramatic rounds of laser tag, hung out with classmates, took part in activities like the Art Table and open gym, and ate delicious fresh food.

I attended the Function with my twin sister Cami and our best friend Elle. When we entered, the event had just kicked off and our hands were stamped with adorable snails. Many familiar faces ate Qdoba while gently head-banging to the beat-heavy pop mix playing in the background. For the first few minutes I said hello to my classmates, scoping out the activity scene. I was especially excited to play laser tag, but I’d never played before and my aim proves I’m no Hawkeye.

Laser tag took place in the darkened garage, empty except for two conveniently placed cars and blow-up shapes. I went down in the elevator with the first group, and was assigned to the blue team.

When the game began, we rushed to our bases and began firing blindly into the dark. Then the teams advanced. Feet pounded; guns fired. Red and blue light flashed through the garage. I heard some horrific recorded screams, followed by screams of triumph and defeat. In total, I played three rounds. It was exciting, often ridiculous, surprisingly friendly, and absolute loads of fun.

After laser tag, I chilled with some facilitators at the art table, doodling as I talked to them about planning the event. “This one is ten times better than the one we went to,” said Mei-ji ‘19, a facilitator. The difference is that this one was planned completely by the student facilitators, who, along with Freddy and Taylor, the 9th grade coordinators, masterminded everything from the activities to the decoration. Melinda Mueller, who advises freshman and attends the Function every 4 years, agreed that the student planners made 2016 the best Function yet.

Through the rest of the evening, I ate way too much chocolate ice cream, spun through the gym on scooters with my friends, met new faces, and watched a particularly intense round of Mario Kart. My highlight was being part of a huge group picture at the photo booth. We gathered up staff, students, photographers, facilitators, and even a friendly dog. Squishing together, we presented our silliest smiles.

When the night was over, the last dodgeball bagged, the last round of laser tag played out and the last of the ice cream devoured, my sister, my best friend and I headed home, very glad we attended the fabulous, fun Freshman Function.