By: Chloe Ritchey (grade 9)

The Tussey Mountain P.R.I.D.E. team held a tailgate in the high school student parking lot on Friday, October 25, as the first marking period incentive. Games including life-size Jenga, spike ball, can jam, and big cup pong were provided by the P.R.I.D.E. team members. Tug of war tournaments between the grades was also held. According to Alyssa Horton, the 8th grade class was undefeated. During the middle school tailgate, the teachers lost to the 5th graders.  

Buffalo chicken dip, pulled pork, hot dogs, hamburgers, huggies, soda, and oreos were sold by Sandy Kay Rickabaugh. Estelle Miller, a P.R.I.D.E. team member, helped give temporary tattoos and sold socks and t-shirts. “It was fun and a good way to bring the school together,” explained Miller.  

The idea for the tailgate was created by the P.R.I.D.E. students, then was brought to life with the help of the P.R.I.D.E. teachers and students. Alyssa Horton’s favorite part of the day was “the fact that I got out of class, but I liked being able to talk to my friends during a school day.” Horton paid seven P.R.I.D.E tickets to attend the event and said, “ I think it was a fair amount.” 

The tailgate seemed to get the students excited for the P.R.I.D.E. carnival which is coming soon in the spring.