For many years, Herrin High School had kicked off Homecoming week with the Powderpuff Volleyball and Football games. This year, they announced that the Powderpuff events were being cancelled due to a lack of participation from the high school students. 

The announcement came as a surprise to many. “I was really looking forward to Powderpuff this year, so when it got cancelled, I was super bummed. Powderpuff is a homecoming tradition at Herrin, and it’s sad to see it get cancelled,” student Mason Crompton (12) said.

Unfortunately, this problem is not unique to HHS. Just last year, the powderpuff football game and bonfire were cancelled due to poor weather. Even though this should’ve shown these events shouldn’t be taken for granted, many students did not heed the warnings. Instead, barely any students signed up or bought a Powderpuff shirt. As a result, sign-ups were closed early due to the lack of student interest or participation. 

The cancellation gives students some time to understand that schoolwide participation is necessary for activities like Powderpuff to happen. Pep-Club Co-President Sidnee Nelson said,“ I am a little upset that not enough people were able to join because I feel like it would’ve been a great time to kick off homecoming one last time.”

Even with the circumstances, Sidnee Nelson also said she hopes to find a way to make up for the loss. “Until an event like Powderpuff comes up again, students can stay involved with the school by participating in their classes’ float building, showing up and dressing up for sporting events, and joining some of the many clubs available in the high school.” Students must use the cancellation as a motivation so the school can continue to host events like powderpuff for a very long time.