On November 21, 2023, the Polar Bear Plunge Club hosted the annual Staff vs. Student Volleyball tournament. This is where the Volleyball club, Soccer team, Football team and other students formed teams to compete against staff members and each other. Mrs. Joan James and Adell Remsburg  stated that they made new changes to the team selections, where all students were allowed to participate and play against each other. The purpose of this tournament is to raise money for Special Olympics Maryland. 

The competition between all of the teams was strongly shown, since last year the staff defeated the students in the tournament. Clearly, the students were out for vengeance this year and formed driven teams to help the students come on top in this year’s game. Seniors Reeves Ade and Bailey Williams were the commentators for the tournament. They showed enthusiasm and suspense when the games came close and hyped up the crowd to help cheer on the competitors. 

Back in 2010, when Oakdale High School first opened, this wondrous tradition was set up and has continued on for many years: “We had a year of COVID break, so when school started back up last year, Mrs. Remsberg and I continued the tradition.” Mrs. James shares. All thanks to gym and health teachers Mrs. Remsburg and Mrs. James, students and staff are able to raise money for a good cause and have fun while competing with peers!

Additionally, Mrs. Christine Conte, an athlete on the teachers team for the tournament, mentions, “It’s for a great cause, and I love getting the school together where both the staff and students are on the same level, and it is great for the school morale.” The staff team  this year brought the heat with some action in the front row, but ended with a loss towards the end of the tournament. 

This year’s winner of the tournament was the soccer team, including Nicholas Novitski, who helped bring his team to victory. Novitski says, “Our team had people who knew how to play volleyball, so we had a good chance of winning.”

Ultimately, the Student vs. Staff volleyball game is an awesome way to connect the students, and staff. Many people look forward to this Volleyball tournament  every year. In the next school year, help raise money for Special Olympics Maryland and compete against fellow classmates and teachers!