Team Blandorians members plan their next moves during gameplay in the 7th and 8th grade division.
By Kate MacLeod
Oyster River Middle School (ORMS) hosted its third annual Dodgeball Tournament on Friday, December 5, bringing together students and teachers for a friendly competition that has become a beloved school tradition. Teams of students and staff faced off in fast-paced matches in the gym as spectators cheered from the sidelines.
Seventh grader RJ Allen of Team Galactic Goobers has been a member of the winning teams in the past two tournaments. Before the event, he shared his excitement and hope of retaining the title, saying he was “looking forward to another tournament.” His hopes came true as the Galactic Goobers won the 7th and 8th grade division after battling their way out of the losers’ bracket. The 5th and 6th grade winners, Team Ninjas, also had an impressive comeback, climbing out of the losers’ bracket to win their championship match.
Many teams showed their spirit by wearing matching outfits or themed costumes. Team Princess Pickles, made up of 6th graders and Assistant Principal Carter, wore tutus and colorful lei flower garlands. Another 6th grade team arrived in festive sweaters and reindeer antlers, while an 8th grade team, The Blandorians, took to the court in their favorite jerseys. Several other groups designed their own team T-shirts.
The tournament was organized by ORMS physical education teachers. Mark MacGlashing created the bracket and helped run the event with Jacob Mulligan. Principal Bill Sullivan brought energy to the evening as the tournament's commentator.
Meanwhile, the ORMS Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) hosted Musical Cakes in the Learning Commons, a sweet twist on musical chairs. Families donated cakes and cupcakes, and as music played, participants walked around a circle of numbered spots. When the music stopped, a number was drawn and the student standing on that spot chose a cake to take home. The PTO also ran the concession stand throughout the evening, where students could grab snacks and pizza slices.
Both the Dodgeball Tournament and Musical Cakes served as fundraisers for the 8th grade trip to Washington, D.C., which will take place over April break. The event brought the ORMS community together to celebrate school spirit and friendly competition while supporting the 8th grade class.
The Ninjas strike a victorious pose after winning the 5th and 6th grade division.
PTO members pose with one of the many cakes students hoped to win during Musical Cakes.