Students shuffled into the auditorium in anticipation for Windsor High’s annual winter assembly last Tuesday. Kids were clad in spirit wear, representing their grades based upon the colors they sported. The assembly was done during Random Acts of Kindness week as an activity to raise student and staff morale and create overall school unity to combat the winter blues.

In preparation, each person was given a beaded necklace during the first hour that corresponded with the grades spirit day color. The cutthroat knockout game known as Ro-Sham-Bo was about to make its big debut. Kids were informed that in order to win, they must play other competitors in rock paper scissors. The loser had to give up their necklace, and any student with more than 20 by the end of the day would compete in the final showdown in front of the entire school. Senior Hailey Svoboda was the mastermind behind the shenanigans.

She said, “I was scrolling on Tik Tok when I first stumbled upon the idea. I pitched it to Mrs. Marty and the rest is history. My favorite part was seeing people who have never talked before interacting and having fun. I hope it becomes a tradition that takes place every year.”

When the time came, the students cheered on their friends and classmates as they fought to be the first ever Ro-Sham-Bo champions. Although all the competitors played valiantly, Junior Owen Petty came out on top.

Petty said, “(It was) a surprise. I never expected to win and it was surreal hearing everyone in my grade cheer for me. My favorite part was when I threw all the beads into the crowd after my victory.”

Other well-known activities took place such as recognizing all the individuals who played on winter sports teams and playing classic games, but the true shining moment occurred when the assembly was over. With time to spare, Assistant Principal Alex DeMatteis called students and teachers down to play a friendly game of knockout. English teacher Jeff Stoffey stole the show as he knocked out his competitors left and right. Before long, the whole school was cheering for the underdog instead of their classmates. When he finally sunk his winning shot with a smile, the stands went wild chanting his name.

Stoffey said, “It was a great experience. The students really showed how much school spirit they have. I love this school.”