File photo. (Credit: Hatboro-Horsham High School).
One of the biggest nights for Hatboro-Horsham High School is upon us.
The school has celebrated its traditional Red and Black Week all week long, and now it’s time for the main event: Red and Black Gym Night, which takes place on Friday, March 7 at the High School.
It’s the culmination of a week-long competition that pits the Black Vengeance against the Red Rodeo. This year marks the 37th edition of the event. The Black team is led by Generals Molly Donaldson and Dean Barbor, while the Red team is led by Generals Victoria Livingston and Maya Williams. Students already have participated in events earlier in the week like cupcake wars to test their culinary skills, an academic bowl to test their knowledge, puzzle races, video games competitions, chess, and much more.
“It’s been great,” said Jen Tooley, event organizer and HHSD physical education teacher. “There’s been a lot of student involvement, everything is running smoothly.”
Tooley is a former graduate of Hatboro-Horsham and a participant in Red and Black Week herself, and always valued the fun competition.
“For me, it’s one of the biggest memories I have,” Tooley said. “I’m hoping the students will feel the same way.”
During Gym Night, students will participate in obstacle courses, a dance competition, a speed pyramid contest, a game called Protect the President where students get inside bubbles and chaos ensues, and much more.
According to Tooley, about 600 students will participate in tonight’s events, and about 1,000 people in total will be in attendance between students, family members and friends.
“Tonight is the culminating event,” said Tooley.
The gym will be decorated with posters that students have worked tirelessly to create during the last six weeks.
Many community members will make their way out on a Friday night, and Horsham Township is preparing for the added congestion in the area.
“Expect heavier than normal traffic in the area from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and again from 10:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.,” Horsham Horsham Chief's Advisory Teams wrote. “Our Town Watch Special Details Team will be assisting the District and Department with traffic control. As always, we appreciate your cooperation.”
A history of the event can be found here.
