When I first began writing this story, I was under the impression that the late timing of Powderpuff this year was due to chaos and disorganization. However, after doing research and talking to organizers, I was able to discover the truth about its timing, and my original opinion about it was completely changed.
Eight years ago, Art teacher and JV Soccer coach, Elise Millard and her colleague, Economics teacher, Jillee Horn began organizing a Powderpuff fundraiser. Powderpuff is a tradition in many high schools, where a team of junior girls play a flag football game against senior girls.
“We started [powderpuff] as a fundraiser for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and it was always in October,” Millard said.
About two to three years after they began the event, Millard and Horn decided to hold the game homecoming week, seeing as Homecoming was in October. They also decided to give students the choice of where to donate the money that was raised by the game. Powerpuff became a yearly tradition usually around Homecoming week. The success of the fundraiser led Millard and Horn to plan it [Powderpuff] on Homecoming week if possible. With this, it became an activity that added to the spirit and fun of Homecoming, while also raising money and awareness for a good cause.
The event had always run smoothly however, last year Millard and Horn faced challenges. The game was originally set to take place on September 25th, but due to a religious holiday, it was postponed until early October. Finding a last-minute date was extremely challenging for the organizers due to sports conflicts, which led to very negative feedback from families.
Not only that, but due to the delay of the game, practices became more disorganized as coaches were not sure of what else to teach. Plays got complicated, and supervisors felt it was not their responsibility to intervene. In the end many students, including myself were left feeling disappointed and discouraged seeing as their Powderpuff experience was not what they had anticipated.
After learning the true and honest facts, I realized Powderpuff was never intended to be a Homecoming activity, it had originally been to raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness. While it was a great addition to the Homecoming festivities, the game became so centered around Homecoming that many, including myself, forgot the real meaning behind it. With all the distractions and controversy behind the game last year, students and families didn’t realize how much money was raised. $3,361 was donated to the MSU Center for Survivors,the most of any Powderpuff game.
With a set date, good organization, support from members of the EL community and a positive atmosphere, Powderpuff will continue to be a well loved and honored tradition, regardless of whether it is near Homecoming or not, with high hopes of raising even more money in the coming years.
