The 'Golden Plunger' up for grabs during Winterfest

REARDAN - The “Golden Plunger” is up for grabs as Davenport and Reardan face off in Winterfest, the annual competition that benefits local food banks and awards bragging rights for school spirit.

The week-long event culminates with the high schools’ boys and girls basketball teams playing each other in Reardan on Friday, Dec. 13.

ASB officers from both schools met and organized the event to encourage fellow students to solicit donations of non-perishable food items from their communities. Points are awarded based on the number of items donated. Each day will feature unique dress themes and points will be awarded based on the percentage of student participation.

More points are earned by winning games such as musical chairs, an air mattress game and a tug-of-war battle between opposing students at halftime of the girls’ basketball game.

The points from the food drive, games and dress-ups are tallied, and the “Golden Plunger” will be awarded at halftime of the boys’ basketball game.

“Davenport has good school spirit,” ASB president Tessa Cormier said. “The game with Reardan is important but our emphasis is on the food drive. That is very important four both of our communities.”

Rysen Soliday, Reardan’s ASB president, said, “There is a lot of camaraderie at our school. Davenport won the competition last year, but I don’t think they can do it again. This is our year. It’s our turn.”

Soliday said that the goal of the schools’ student leadership is to get all students involved in the activities and especially the food drive.

“We try to make it fun and not a hassle to do,” he said.

Cormier acknowledged that not all students normally participate in school activities.

“For those kids we make sure it’s a fun experience. There are activities that every student can participate in and enjoy.”

“Obviously the basketball game is important,” Soliday said, “but restocking our communities’ food banks is the priority. Our goal with Winterfest is to help families in need. That’s what it’s really about.”

After winning the plunger last year, Davenport is confident it will remain in the school’s trophy case for another year.

“We have so much school spirit,” Cormier said, “We love our school and don’t take for granted how privileged we feel to be able to go here.”

Jake Green, Reardan’s head basketball coach, is excited to be a part of Winterfest.

“The community puts a lot into this rivalry, and it means a lot to the boys,” he said. “I’m excited to be a part of this week and to see the schools’ compete in the game and the events surrounding Winterfest.”

Regardless of who brings home the “Golden Plunger,” the real winner will be each community’s food bank. Donations can be dropped off at the schools in Davenport and Reardan.