By: Katelyn Lam, Features Editor
Due to the restrictions caused by COVID-19 schools have had to find alternative solutions for events and other activities that can no longer be held indoors. Although everyone wears a mask to school there are still rules to gathering indoors, like the one of no eating inside. Since masking and social distancing still seems to be the most important deterrent to COVID-19, all typical events have been reinvented for the outdoors.
One of the most popular spaces in Mills is the center court, a wide open space with artificial turf, seats, and tables, making it a popular gathering spot for lunch. With the rule of no eating or drinking inside, many students have had to find alternative places to eat, and center court is the place many have chosen, making it even more crowded during lunch. Walking by on a regular day, one can see all the students that have made it their lunch area. The artificial turf makes the interior a great place to sit down without having to worry about dirt or other problems that come with real grass. There are also limited tables at school, and Center Court provides both tables and seats with the stone benches. Other students have crowded around tables or gone outside the doors. The front, back, and basketball courts are also all common spaces for students to go to during brunch and lunch.
Since the pandemic, Center Court’s uses have grown, such as becoming the stage for Athena’s Island, the first theatrical performance of the year. Prior to this year, all the drama performances had been in the auditoriums, but with the new restrictions and airing on the side of caution, it was moved outside. The entire cast worked hard to find new ways to adapt to the unusual setting and in the end the final performance reflected their determination to make things work even with the unusual stage. They were able to take advantage of the outdoor setting, hanging pictures of female scientists around center court for everyone to see. It brought a sense of immersion into the story and it gave a peek at the type of story they were going to tell. The pictures were a fun way to admire both the art of Mills students and learn about important female scientists.
The outside atmosphere was a unique experience for those who attended. It was quite different to enjoy music outside, watching the sun set and enjoying the fresh air, but entertaining nonetheless. Many people brought blankets as well, giving the entire occasion a lively camping bonfire feel. Others took full advantage of the set up and chose to get more comfortable on the floor instead of sitting on the benches. Although the sound system might not have been as good compared to the auditorium, the new seating arrangements certainly made up for it. As the night went on, everyone joined in and turned their phone flashlights on in support of the drama team. The night filled with friends, food, and biotech, and is sure to be one people remember.
Center Court was also used for homecoming on October 16th. Homecoming is normally in the gym, and although many were wary of the new location, it was a night like no other. There was food, dancing and a photobooth for students. Many spent all night dancing away in the mosh pit right in front of the auditorium. Like at the musical, students added an extra element to the last songs by turning on their phone flashlights and singing along. Despite the changes to homecoming, plenty of students enjoyed their night out with their friends.
During the day before homecoming, students enjoyed an extended lunch for the food fair. It featured performances from Mills’ band and cheerleading teams, but the highlight was all the clubs’ food. The food fair always occurs in Center Court, but because the typical homecoming rally was cancelled, students had extra time to walk around and examine all the choices they had.
The rally, normally held in the gym, was also reinvented, but rather than go to Center Court it was moved to the football field, a vast difference from the inside. Seniors were on the bleachers, while everyone else stood on the track and grass. Because of the lack of bleachers for other grades, the visibility of activities were limited for those in the back, especially if tall people were standing in the front row. The standing and heat, with the added backpacks and books everyone carried, made the day more tiring than a standard rally.
Rather than try to play indoor games outside, leadership completely rethought the normal games and performances. Some traditional elements, like the pieing of a teacher getting pied and a sneak peak of Mr. Huddleson’s musical were kept. Of course, there was plenty of the usual chanting, clapping, and cheering from everyone in support of their class. Juniors took advantage of the extra space by sitting on each others’ shoulders to build spirit, while seniors wisely used bleachers and stomped along to their chant! Other parts of the rally, like the relay race and tug of war, were completely new. Despite the inconveniences, the rally was a testament to all the hard work leadership and Ms. Dove put in to give us a sense of community and school spirit.
COVID might still be raging, but Mills has assured students they will do everything in their power so a normal school life can be resumed. Last year, everyone was deprived of all the fun that comes with the otherwise mundane school life. This year, the social aspects are looking good as the administration gets creative with all the normal activities.
