On Friday evening, March 10 more than 300 students, staff, parents and alumni packed the Suffield High School Commons and gymnasium for the annual Volleyball Marathon (VBM).
One of Suffield’s greatest traditions, the Volleyball Marathon, is organized by the National Honor Society as a large scholarship fundraiser, as well as a way to bring so many people together. Volleyball Marathon – An Annual “Hit” for Students and Volunteers Alike.
Thirty-two teams of six to eight Suffield High School students each decided on clever team names like Air Traffic Control and SWAT Team. Then designed cool shirts to wear as their team jerseys. The names and shirts were as creative as usual, adding more fun to the night.
Students packed sleeping bags, pillows, snacks and whatever they could to get them through the eleven hour event. They passed through the security checkpoint and found their team’s designated area on the Commons floor. Throughout the marathon, students enjoyed hanging out with friends, playing card games, board games, battling in cornhole and video games. The event was packed with fun, including a huge raffle in which all participants had a chance to win one of the dozens of amazing prizes. Some students even brought donations for the Suffield Community Aid to increase their chances of winning a prize.
After all the teams played seven games each in the opening round, everyone took a break for breakfast and then at 4:15 AM the top sixteen teams faced off in the playoffs. Eventually, the final game was set – Hit Men vs. Setting Ducks. After an exciting back and forth battle, Hit Men served for match point, but Setting Ducks made an amazing comeback and ended up winning 22-20, earning the title of the 2023 VBM Champions. The crowd went wild celebrating the victory for Setting Ducks, and by 6:00 AM all the teams had gathered all their belongings and marked the end of another incredible Volleyball Marathon.
This huge event would not have been possible without the support of so many local businesses and families. The National Honor Society appreciates the donations of food and/or prizes from the following local businesses: Barnes & Noble; Buffalo Wild Wings; Cafe Barista; Cinemark; Dick’s Sporting Goods; Enfield Twin Rinks; Francesco’s; Gio’s Pizzeria; Harvest Cafe; Hood; Jim’s Family Restaurant & Pizzeria; Lulu’s Restaurant; Moe’s Southwest Grill; Mrs. Murphy’s Donuts; Red Carpet Nails & Spa; Ron-A-Roll Roller Skating Center; Sofia’s Pizzeria; SpareTime Entertainment; Starbuck’s; SHS Booster Club; Suffield Nail Salon; Suffield Pizza; TJ’s Burritos; Tosca; Zanto of Suffield.