Student athletes, across the district, have come together in the form of youth nights and other events for young athletes allowing for collaboration and learning experiences for all ages. The basketball teams recently had a night to celebrate the up and coming basketball players. The dance and cheerleading teams also hold clinics in the fall that allow dancers to learn and perform dances during the halftime of a JV football game. Pleasant Valley High School works hard to incorporate fun opportunities and unite the district.
At the beginning of the year, many high school students look forward to football season. There are many young boys that look forward to this time of year as well. The PV football team allows for a few boys each game to stand on the field and watch the action just feet away. Senior football player, Terry Saul, said this opportunity, “gives the kids a great sense of what a competitive environment feels like and encourages them to work hard so that they can participate in great moments like this when they’re our age.”
The dance and cheer clinics held for young students allows for children to get their foot in the door. This is an especially important opportunity for junior high students that are looking to try out for the teams within the next few years. Freshman, Noel Pearson, said, “The Platinum clinics really helped me to be prepared for platinum.” Parents also enjoy this event, because they are able to see their daughters perform in a public setting and interact with the community.
The most recent youth events have been the basketball youth nights. There was a night featuring the girls’ teams and a different night for the boys’ teams. The young athletes were able to watch the game and listen in on the half time talk. Also, the aspiring basketball stars lined up on the court during the warm-up and were announced by team to the crowd. Coach Goetz delivered an inspiring half time talk that the high school athletes and aspiring basketball players say they will always remember.
Third grader, Payton Paul, was given the opportunity to sing the National Anthem at the girls’ basketball youth night, and many were impressed with her performance. Her father, junior high teacher, Jeff Paul, said, “Payton loves to sing and did the national anthem at a game last year. We were pretty impressed that she didn’t get nervous at all. She likes to perform and has sang at three games now.” Students are getting the chance to express themselves and show their skills at the high school level, and many said it helped to bring together the Pleasant Valley community.
