This year’s AG day took place on October 18th, and kicked off with Spirit Week. Read more below to learn more about the different perspectives of AG Day from our authors, artists, and interviewers. Did you catch our crew out and about?
As a marching band student, I had to get up very early for the AG parade. It was stressful since the clarinet did not want to work with me, but I managed to pull through. All day, all I could think was did we sound that good or did we sound like garbage? I had a nice time after the parade and it was a good feeling, too. Even helping out with Spirit Week was a stressful situation for me. I only dressed up twice, but I prepared for AG day by telling myself to be calm and collected. I admired the outfits the other classes had worn.
As one of the 11th grade’s more energetic students, I loved the part where I got to be part of the skit. It was a little stressful because I was worried that I was going to mess it up, but I pulled through and did well. I loved how I wore my Bigfoot outfit, becoming our class ‘Bluefoot.’ I admired Nathan Prezzano for his taste of music that day; he played country and rock music, and I love both of those genres. I listened to my music to prepare me for what was bound to happen on AG Day. After AG Day, I helped out with the Tractor Pull that my dad was a part of. This year, I felt more a part of something than ever!
During AG Day, I loved hanging out with my friends and participating in the many activities. Mr. Lisella had a very interesting music playlist, especially when we were sitting on the bleachers. I didn’t really like how cold it was that day, but when we would do activities like kickball or nitroball, I would quickly warm up. AG Day was a bit stressful because of trying to get your class to be first place, but in the end, it was pretty fun.
AG Day is one of my favorite days because it gives us a break from our normal routine to have a field day and do fun activities instead. I didn’t go this year, but I went last year and had a lot of fun. We bragged on the way back to the bleachers to all our friends how we won kickball against the 7th graders. I loved doing the steal the bacon game since it made me happy and was very fun, as well as ultimate frisbee, which was my favorite, as it was dark, so it looked cool outside. Something that stood out to me the most was going against my own grade in soccer and embarrassing myself by slipping on the wet grass multiple times in a row.
AG Day is such a unique holiday that really manages to capture the spirit of Pine Plains. There’s nothing like letting your friends cover you in glitter like it’s war paint and going into farm-themed battle with a tu-tu and a terrifying amount of school spirit.
My favorite moment from AG Day was being in the skit. I’ve been one of the very, very few people who has been a part of the class skit since 6th grade, and we’ve come a long way from being boo-ed by the people in our own grade who were unwilling to participate, but wanted all of their visions me, this year when all (about) 15 of us ran down those stands and onto the track, it really felt like people were rooting for us. The skit has always been a mesh of creativity, and will all of the participation this year I think it was one of our best yet!
Something that always stands out to me is how nice the classes are willing to be. Of course, some people are forcing it to gain sportsmanship points, but a lot of people are truly happy to be there and the sense of kindness that people are willing to promote is astounding.
Right before the winners were announced, someone came into the stands and told us that they overheard some teachers saying the junior class had won. People around started getting frustrated and upset, and there was a bit of a fog over us. As the other scores were announced, a sense of anticipation and hope started to build, and when we were crowned the winners, the crowd went absolutely insane. It was great.
Someone I admired from afar would be the other classes’ skit groups. You could see how much work they put into it and they all did fantastic, one of our best years for skits for sure.
I was a part of the skit, so I went to all the class meetings that I could and gave input and such. I also made plans and strategies for my team and others to use. I spent a lot of time getting excited for it.
In student council, I helped to create the Spirit Week! I also planned my outfits in advance and offered some extra pieces to other members of my class for points. I also ran the table for the Spirit Week Survey, and I look forward to presenting the results back to the council.
I liked watching Gavin crawl on all fours while playing Steal the Bacon. He had a great bear crawl and I appreciated his desire to win. I dressed up for AG Day and bought biker shorts at Marshalls ahead of time – that way I could get paint or dirt on them without caring. The final part of AG Day was pretty intense when they were announcing the winner. I don’t think the seniors got enough hype.
AG Day is the best day of the year – it’s like Christmas but with more face paint and glitter. I love how expressive everyone is with their costumes and dance numbers. My favorite part of AG Day this year was seeing my 7th graders dance to the music track I made. They made fantastic minions! I also had the opportunity to hang out with Allie Castellanos who helped Mrs. Smith and I judge Crazy Creatures.
I was most surprised by the elementary schools arriving early this year. It reminded me of the chaotic kindergarteners in the movie Leo. They swarmed the gym and Mrs. Smith and I were forced to move to a corner to avoid them. There was also a tiny little brown calf in the barn that was called “Freedom” that I fell in love with. Another cow tried to eat my hair, so I have to remember to be more cautious next year.
A standout moment was watching Westley compete in the pumpkin race alongside Gary. I’m glad the school found a way to make him feel included during his senior year AG Day. I prepare for AG Day the same way every year. I get a ham, egg, and cheese sandwich from Moose on the Loose and dress in bold colors so I’m easier to find. The weekend after AG Day is always reserved for catching up on sleep, and I take advantage of that as much as possible.
AG Day as a teacher is very exciting and stressful for me. On my side of Stissing Mountain, Spirit Week truly kicked off AG Day. My BCCAL class took space in the cafeteria gathering information about the student population’s feelings about AG Day and Spirit Week.
I enjoyed saying hello to students of the past, present, and future during that time. Something that stood out to me during AG day was the performance from the sophomores and seniors in particular. Additionally, it never ceases to amaze me, the array of colorful language I hear to match those colorful outfits from students. I certainly enjoyed spending the day with my two little boys and my student teacher, Ms. Lazarus.
I admired the dedication that the students had to dressing up in their respective colors. I am particularly grateful to the 8th grade girls for bringing all of the yellow face paint and makeup, and loaning it out to their peers and teachers. From afar, I admired Jackson St. Bernard and his ability to embody Cupid while on a segway.
I am very fortunate not to have a lot to prepare for AG day, although I am happy to dedicate my time to help out in the various activities. I enjoy being on the bleachers during the parade of colors and relays so that I can celebrate with my 8th graders and enjoy the company of students from the past. Nothing warms my heart more than being stopped for a photo or, this year, making it into the senior skit! While I am usually in charge of the indoor games, I was glad to be outside for Steal the Bacon this year, although, I will say that I did not have a voice for the rest of the weekend after shouting directions for the game.
