On the first day of the 20204-2025 school year, Waterford High School hosted a carnival event with activities for students, including free cotton candy, popcorn, games and music.
One of the activities included a dunk tank, with Principal Samuelson inside, giving students the chance to throw the ball and dunk him in the water. In order to get three throws, students had to record themselves saying what it means to be a Lancer.
Mr Samuelson said, “I enjoyed the carnival. There’s something very refreshing about being in a dunk tank. I wore my costume I got a couple years ago, and at the end of the day it was a hot day so I probably had the best seat in the house.”
Officer Malbourn added, “I tried to dunk Mr Samuelson but I missed four times.”
PE teacher, Mrs Gwudz said, “Mr Silvestri and I were stationed at the cotton candy to pass out cotton candy to the kids. This was a good time for me to be able to talk to the different students about their summer and it was a nice way of starting the year off.”
Junior Sarah Davidson said, “I walked around with my friends and just talked with them.
I didn’t enjoy it, it was too long and I wish that lunches were back-to-back. I also wish we were able to go inside.”
The activities included giant Connect Four, Can Jam, Skee Ball, ax throwing, giant Yahtzee, Yard Bowling, giant Jenga, Corn Hole, giant Chess, Bucket Golf, Volleyball, Spike Ball, giant Bucket Ball, Ping-Pong wizard, character Bean Bag Toss, a Hula-Hoop contest, and a Limbo contest, face painting, and a photo booth.
Junior Alaina Pafias said, “I did the ax throwing thing and watched Mr Samuelson get dunked in the dunk tank. It was alright. I just wish it wasn’t as long.”
Mr. Samuelson explained, “The event aimed to foster school spirit and community, new students especially. The advisors’ decision to hold a midday carnival on the first day was a great idea. Moving forward, student input will be integrated for future events.”
