The school year has begun, but instead of starting with the boring syllabuses in each class, Blue Jay Nation hosted a kick-off on August 8, on the track at LHS. All students and families were invited to come for the evening. The entrance fee was five dollars and with entrance each person was given a ticket for food and drink.

There were booths set up by clubs and sports teams with games for people to play: the golf team had a chipping contest, the tennis team had a court set up for people to play, the softball team had a throwing contest and many more sport activities from the sports booths. The thespian troupe had a guessing game with mints as “mattresses” and “peas” to support the upcoming musical “Once Upon A Mattress.” There were raffle tickets for silent auctions to help raise money for the sports teams’ new equipment and uniforms.

The music programs kept the night going with some live music.

The orchestra played Andy Grammer’s “Honey I’m Good” and Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk” with the new director Michelle Davis. The band played a song from their last concert last year along with songs for marching band season led by drum major, senior Margot Dumsky. The choir sang the “Alma Mater” directed by Dr. Rika Heruth.

The sports teams presented some of their goals for the year.

The Sapphires showed off what they could do later in the evening to prove they’re in it to win state again this year. The basketball team is planning a big trip to Orlando, Florida for a national tournament. The girl’s golf team is ready to start preparing for state. Cross-country has already run more than 700 miles this summer to warm up for the season and the rugby team showed off their trophies from State to get everyone excited for what’s to come.

The football team had the crowd all riled up to give a sneak peek of what the season will look like. At midnight after the kick-off, the football team had their first scrimmage to get their season started.

“[We’re] showing the community what we’re going to be doing [this season],” senior Jay Gordon said.

They scrimmaged their own teams and combined players to give everyone a chance to play. They did not keep score because it was just a way to get the season off to a good start and have fun practicing with a big crowd there to cheer them on.

“It’s an awesome thing the coaches and the school do and I’m thrilled to be apart of it,” junior Max Wittman said.