1st ‘Raise the Spirit of Twin Valley’ is August 25

The first annual Raise the Spirit of Twin Valley event, with the potential to be the biggest pep rally in the school district’s history, will be held on the evening of Saturday, August 25, 2012 at the turf field at Twin Valley High School. Sponsored by the Twin Valley Football Boosters and the Twin Valley Community Education Foundation, it is a celebration of scholastic sports which the entire community is invited to take part in.

“I think this event is going to be the kind of night that makes you feel good,” said Michelle Elliott, president of the Raise the Spirit Committee. “We are holding this event to raise the spirit of the Twin Valley community, and it will make you proud to be a part of this community. We want to bring everyone together under one cause, to ‘Raise the Spirit’ (as we) will be celebrating all of our sports teams.”

Gates to the field will open at 6:30 p.m., and admission is free. Donations will be accepted throughout the evening, and items such as snacks, school-themed car magnets, and season passes for games will be for sale. All profits will be put toward a Raise the Spirit at Twin Valley Fund, which will allow for the event to recur as the annual starting point for the school year.

“Donations will be accepted at the gates,” said Raise the Spirit Committee Vice President Lisa Beard. “You do not have to donate but we are hoping that people give whatever they can.”

Naturally, the dress code for the evening is plenty of green and white. There will be over 100 small prize giveaways throughout the event. Middle school art teacher Tammy Taylor will paint a set of stairs with washable paint to add to the fanfare. Other decorations include balloons, banners, and a few special surprises which will remain a mystery until they are unveiled.

An athletes’ showcase, a dedication ceremony honoring each Twin Valley sports team, will commence at 7 p.m. A yet to be named master of ceremonies will introduce the teams and announce their highlights. Twin Valley’s Marching Band and Cheerleaders will also take part in the showcase, with the latter holding individual team banners which will then be hung along the fence line and joined together to ultimately form one large display which will stretch the length of the field. A secret guest of honor is also scheduled to make a special appearance during the showcase.

At 8 p.m. there will be a video montage of Twin Valley athletes. Created by Twin Valley parent Kathleen Gardocki, the video will be played on a 26-foot screen that will be set up on the field. Then, at 8:25 p.m., there will be a screening of the feature film ‘The Sandlot’ for all to enjoy.

“The Sandlot is a movie that stands for a time when life seemed a little simpler and slower paced,” said Elliot, “when neighbors had block parties and kids could entertain themselves without getting into much trouble. Even if you’re not from Twin Valley it is a night to enjoy an outdoor movie with your family that will cost you next to nothing.”

There will be ample seating available in the bleachers. Attendees can also bring and set up their chairs on the asphalt area separating the bleachers from the track. Limited seating is also available on the track and the turf field for those who bring their own blankets (no food or drinks are allowed on the track or turf field).

“We have planned for a turnout of at least 500 people,” said Elliot, “but we would consider even 100 showing up as a success. This will create a legacy that can keep going. So dress up! Wear your green and white and show your Raider pride. You never know what kinds of surprises there can be for those who show the most spirit.”

Elliott and Beard are both parents with students in Twin Valley High School. They have a long history of putting events together for the district, including the Spring Carnival and events involving the Philadelphia Eagles. Their partnership in efforts supporting Twin Valley’s kids goes all the way back to when their own children were grade-schoolers.

“We work very well together,” said Elliot, “we have known each other since we were homeroom moms.”

“We were President and Vice President of PIE (Partners In Education)”, added Beard, “and we stayed involved in the organization through Middle School.”

Elliot said that all efforts up to and including Raise the Spirit of Twin Valley have been geared for building spirit within the community.

“Our goal is a large vision of Raider Pride. This is our school, but this is about more than just sports… …it’s about the hard work of the parents who did not give up on sports for their kids. With all of the cutbacks that (sports teams) have been facing we felt that everyone deserves to start out on a good note.”

Elliot and Beard have been planning for the event since early 2012 with fellow Raise the Spirit Committee members Kim Patterson, Terry McEwen, Micki Ranck and Mandy Stoudt.

“They have been fantastic and we could not have even come close to making this happen if it was not for them,” said Beard, “everyone contributed great ideas to help put (this event) together. It was a wonderful collaboration.”

“We owe a lot to Superintendent Robert Pleis who loves the idea and has supported us along the way,” added Elliot, “(Athletic Director) John Guiseppe deserves a lot of thanks as well.”

Addition thanks went out to the Ewing family, who have donated popcorn and are loaning the committee a popcorn machine. Praise was also given to the Philly Pretzel Factory in Lionville, for providing pretzels “for a fantastic price”, and to Acme, Sheetz, and Wal-Mart for donating items.

Raise the Spirit at Twin Valley will take place rain or shine. Should it rains the festivities will be moved into the middle school gym.

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