SHS Color Run kicks off Rivalry Week

The Shafter Tiger Chase Color Fun Run last Saturday at the SHSl was the kickoff to Shafter/Wasco rivalry week. Yearbook teacher Larissa Davis, who co-organized the inaugural event with student advocacy teacher Sharya Durant, was inspired to start a new tradition that would bring the whole community together. "It was something we had talked about for a couple of years and thought this year was a good year for it."

Around 60 students, teachers, families and friends joined the noncompetitive morning run around the school, getting covered in bright blue and gold powders along the way. "It will get them ready to cheer on our teams, build school spirit and shows that Shafter High's pride runs deep," Davis said.

Alma Ruiz attended the run with her son, Matteo, and daughter, Jackie. "We love doing these runs together," she shared after the event. "Matteo is on the cross-country and swim teams, so I wanted to support him and his school. It's rivalry week, and funny enough, my husband went to Wasco High. Although I'm not from the area, my kids are proud Shafter kids. Shafter is a great community, and we're excited for the upcoming Shafter/Wasco week."

The event brought out families like SHS social studies teacher Jorge Maldonado, his nieces Kyara and Nairoby Gonzalez Maldonado from Bakersfield, and his girlfriend, Areli Mejia. Mejia said, "The best part was crossing the finish line and being sprayed with blue and gold. It was nice coming together to support the school and the kids.

"It's fun, and as a teacher, it's a chance to connect with my students outside of the classroom and for them to connect with me."

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Reflecting on rivalry week, he said, "It's a unique, one-of-a-kind rivalry – literally nationwide – with all the events. It gives us an opportunity to enjoy it and show the community what it's all about."

Students, like the Associated Student Body President and Miss Shafter Gloria Huestis, were excited about Shafter/Wasco week. "I think it's a good way to create more anticipation and enthusiasm." She especially enjoyed throwing the colorful powders and seeing everyone's involvement.

Another ASB member, Alexia Ramirez, echoed the sentiment, adding, "Running with my friends among the clouds smothered in paint was thrilling. I was also very honored to be part of this new tradition in my senior year because it's leaving behind something better. It's a new tradition during Rivalry Week. Every class has its thing, and this is our class leaving our high school mark."