For many years, the Junior Lock-In has been an anticipated event at our school, serving as an annual bonding experience for junior students. However, Director of Student Life Royce Wallace announced the “Junior Lock-In” would be discontinued and replaced with the “Junior Games” in an email sent to Grade 11 families Oct. 20.
While it may be disheartening to see a cherished tradition fade away, it’s important to recognize the thoughtful effort that the Student Council has put into crafting an engaging and innovative alternative. Furthermore, the new event is a fun way to foster friendships through gameplay.
The “Junior Lock-In” was an event that allowed students to spend a night in the school, creating lasting memories and nurturing friendships. However, safety concerns and administrative decisions have led to the discontinuation of this tradition.
In response to these challenges, Grade 11 StuCo members created the “Junior Games.” The representatives then posted a video on the Class of 2025’s Instagram page Oct. 20 to announce the exciting new event.
The “Junior Games” is a two-hour team competition inspired by “Capture the Flag” and the “Hunger Games” series. The event will take place Nov. 17, offering participants the opportunity to strategize and engage with their peers until the games kick off at 9 p.m., concluding at 11 p.m.
Although the “Junior Games” might not fulfill the expectations and anticipation that sleeping overnight would, this alternative is more exciting and unifying than the “Junior Lock-in.” Students will still gather in the evening to bond, enjoy quality time together and create memories within the school premises, this time, playing a game that involves everyone.
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The introduction of “Junior Games” provides opportunities for skill-building, team collaboration and leadership development. This helps students develop valuable skills that will serve them well beyond their school years. According to the Penn State Extension, participation in team-based activities enhances social and emotional development, which is important for students’ personal growth.
Additionally, the concept of “Junior Games” is simply fun. While the lock-in provided an opportunity for bonding, the “Junior Games” bring an extra dose of excitement through active gameplay.
Moreover, StuCo representatives invested remarkable time and effort into crafting the alternative. This included securing the necessary resources, such as 130 Nerf Guns and over 750 foam bullets, gaining approval for the usage of the PA system, and securing the entire third floor of the school building. They have made it clear that the transition is not only about preserving tradition but reinventing it in a way that still fosters a sense of community while remaining safe.
Furthermore, the shift from the lock-in to the “Junior Games” comes with its set of advantages and drawbacks. The lock-in offered an overnight bonding experience, allowing students to create lasting memories in a relaxed setting. It was an ideal environment for fostering deep connections. In contrast, the “Junior Games” condenses the experience into a shorter, more action-packed two-hour event, introducing a higher level of excitement.
As a sophomore, the news of the discontinuation of the lock-in was particularly upsetting. This event held a unique place in the High School experience, offering a night of bonding during a notoriously stressful year. It’s disheartening to think that I won’t have the opportunity to partake in this cherished tradition, and I’ll only be left with stories from those who experienced it years prior. On the other hand, I cannot help but wonder whether the “Junior Games” will be the birth of an entirely new tradition.
Some may argue that the discontinuation of the “Junior Lock-In” tradition could lead to a sense of loss among students who have come to cherish it over the years. However, it is important to remember that the introduction of the “Junior Games” is not an attempt to erase the past but to adapt to recent safety concerns.
Ultimately, the transition from the “Junior Lock-In” to the “Junior Games” shows the innovative spirit of StuCo in creating a fun alternative. While change can be frustrating, it also provides an opportunity for entertainment and the creation of new traditions that future students can cherish.
To the Class of ’25 and the classes to come, let us embrace this change with an open mind and a spirit of fun, as the heart of our school community is in the connections and memories we create.
