Suffield High School’s Volleyball Marathon, which students usually call “VBM”, is an event that students look forward to every year. Students can create teams with their friends and come up with creative team names and shirts that reflect upon their team’s spirit. A few memorable team names from this year’s marathon include “Block Blasters” and “Despikeable Me”, craftily connecting volleyball terms with iconic games and movies. Then, these students arrive at their school around 7:00 PM, where the fun begins. Until 5:30 the next morning, the night is filled with volleyball fun, food, and games for these students- if they can stay awake!
During their time at VBM, everyone in the building had a smile on their faces. Many different students, from freshmen to seniors, all had something positive to say.
One ninth grade student, Anthony Delucco, was excited to talk about his time at VBM. “It’s really been a nice experience for me and I’ve had a lot of fun with my friends. Communication is key- I can see myself doing VBM again next year.” When asked about how his age has impacted the games, he gave some words of encouragement for next year’s incoming freshmen, “I don’t think being a freshman has been that hard in VBM. It’s really all about having fun.”
Finn Graham, a junior at Suffield High School, even brought his guitar to this event. He sat and played tunes with his friends when his team didn’t have a game, and even let some other students strike a chord. When asked about his experience so far at VBM, his answer shed light onto the laid-back nature of the event, “I get to play guitar and see my friends- everyone’s having fun, having a good time.”
When asked about the VBM experience, Annie Vincent, 12th grader and President of the National Honors Society, summed up the event rather nicely, “VBM is fun to play and a great way to connect with other people in school. It’s definitely unique, I’ve done it for four years, and I’ve looked forward to it for all four years I’ve been in SHS.” Keller Tobey added onto Annie’s idea, commenting, “As a senior, I know what to expect.”
However, some other seniors gave some ideas for improving VBM in the following years. 12-grader Izzy Potter offered up the idea of having more games out for the teams who aren’t playing, and a very fatigued-looking Sean Plourde implored for a shorter event, “It’s way too long. 8 PM to 4 AM would be a lot better.”
So, we’ve heard from the students themselves how VBM is an event that transcends all grade levels and is a way for all different students to connect with each other. Hopefully, even if we see some changes come to VBM in the following years, this unique tradition will remain within Suffield High School for a long time.
