80 Years of Sportsnite Will Not Go to Waste

How much can change in 80 years? Today, people become bored of a trend within a month, and technology becomes faster and easier every day to go right under our fingertips. For anything to remain relevant in America for 80 years is impressive, but something that can remain relevant in a high school for 80 years is remarkable.

Ethel T. Kloberg began Sportsnite at Baldwin Senior High School in 1933 to bring girls together and change the way girls view their high school experiences. After 80 years, the program is still in full swing. Sportsnite 2013 divided girls into Safari Blues and Goldopoly to sing, dance, stunt, and cheer on March 9th. 

Although the Blue and Gold girls were working hard every day this winter to prepare for the big night, a matter even greater than winning or losing the competition was on every girl’s mind. Teachers, courses, sports, clubs, and activities have all noticed that the budget of the Baldwin School District is not looking good. With major budget cuts, past and present Sportsnite girls want everyone to know that 80 years of hard work and determination will not go to waste.

 Sportsnite brings girls together despite their ages, backgrounds, and personalities. Nancy Conforti, a senior who is very active in Baldwin’s music department and her position as Entrance Song & Cheer Captain for the Blue team, said, ”Sportsnite is my chance to come out of my cave in the music wing and get to meet and spend time with all of these wonderful girls.” The program is very time-consuming and involves effort, but Jessica Markowitz, a junior from the Blue team, says, “It keeps kids active and out of trouble from other activities.”  “It’s rough going in the beginning,” says sophomore Valerie Conforti from the Blue team, “but all the hard work pays off because when you are finished, you have a wonderful performance and friendships that will last a lifetime.” The girls of both teams spend so much time with each other almost every day, forming bonds that will last forever. “I’ve made so many friends and I feel like I’m with my second family when I’m with my team,” said Jessica.

An aspect of Sportsnite that is often overlooked is how beneficial the program can be to the way girls work with others or how girls work toward their goals. While girls prepare for Sportsnite, they are also practicing skills that will last a lifetime. Baldwin Senior High School graduate in 2011 and current sophomore at SUNY Oneonta Valerie Giovanelli was an active participant in Sportsnite during her years at Baldwin. “Having a position on advisory board helped me be a leader and learn the importance of time management. Learning these skills has helped me hold a position in my sorority as well as the ability to balance my life in college,” she said. While Sportsnite is a fun activity for girls at Baldwin, it also teaches valuable lessons of responsibility, leadership, motivation, and teamwork. Despite any differences, the two teams of girls all know how to work together in order to get their work done. Valerie said that in her years of Sportsnite, “No matter what happened, all the girls would unite together.”

Sportsnite brings girls together to bring out their greatest qualities. Every year, the Blue and Gold girls prepare for three months to compete and bring pride to their teams. Multiply that hard work by 80 years, and you’ll know that Sportsnite girls are a force to be reckoned with. That is one fact that the Blue and Gold teams will not be divided over. 

Sportsnite and many other beloved Baldwin school programs will be cut if enough money is not raised by September 1. If you are interested in helping to save our schools by donating or attending an event, please visit www.baldwin4children.org