Spring Fling sparks “semblance of normal”

“It felt like there might be some semblance of normal,” said senior Jackson Shepard after attending ASB’s Spring Fling Friday, May 21st. With colorful chalk drawings, a car show, a beachy photo spot, and scattered bubble machines, the scene at the student parking lot was by no means a typical day. Yet, for many students the socializing students who filled the lot were reminiscent of pre-COVID times. Senior Samantha Hanson returned to in-person school and attended many of the senior events but noticed a difference at Spring Fling. “This was the first event that allowed us to really walk around and socialize. I definitely got to interact with more people and walk around campus more this time,” said Hanson. Students mingled in groups around ASB-provided card tables or in the spaces near their cars. While masks and physical distancing was enforced, students could wander around to admire the vintage cars, grab a slice of Uncle Petezas, design the next chalk masterpiece, or just find some friends to chat with. “I am not back to in person school so it was great to see my friends in this relaxed environment,” said Junior Clara Cessna. In addition to catching up with friends, Cessna spent Spring Fling drawing an 80s inspired cassette tape with North Creek’s unofficial anthem “Welcome to the Jungle” written on top. The whimsical activities added to the excitement of the event. “I have heard a lot of people express the sentiment that we have lacked many of the “fun” elements of school this year, like attending sporting events, dances, or even just seeing each other in the halls. Spring Fling helped us feel more interconnected as a Jaguar community,” said Hanson. While seniors have had several in-person events to connect this year, other grades were not given the same opportunities. ASB sought to provide a space and time for all grades to get together. “Our bar was low with everything going on so we just wanted a way for freshman and sophomores to come to campus, and for upperclassmen to reconnect,” said ASB vice president Abhi Reddy. From an ASB exec leader’s perspective, the event was a success. “Seeing how many people came out, we definitely shattered any expectation we had,” said Reddy. With the school year dwindling, Spring Fling was the first and last hurrah for this year’s ASB team. “This was our one shot at having a proper school event to bring some fun back into the community,” said Reddy. Despite the challenges of the year, Spring Fling marked a shift towards in-person school gatherings after a year of virtual hugs and conversations. “What having this event means to me is a chance to see old friends—while also making new ones— which was hard to do on the online school platform,” said Cessna.