The Emery/Weiner Field Day theme is typically thought of by the SGA, but this year, the Emery administration decided to make the theme related to Judaism in an effort to instill a sense of community and build a deeper relationship among the student body. Hence, the theme of Field Day 2024 consisted of both the newly introduced 12 Tribes and Yom Haatzmaut (Israel Independence Day), allowing for a collaboration between Emery’s Student Government Association and the Israel Club.
SGA Vice President Carly Katz is pleased with the school’s new addition of the 12 Tribes. Katz clarified, “As was evident through this year’s field day successes in terms of both energy and friendly competition, the 12 Tribes connected the entire school and helped bridge the gap between middle and high schoolers.” Katz also feels that the tribes allow for older students to “serve as positive role models and friends [for] classmates both older and younger.” In agreement with Katz, Israel Club Co-President, Hailey Sheena, believes that having tribes as part of Emery’s culture and life has “brought the middle school close together” and has overall been beneficial to the school and students alike. While this program is a new addition to Emery student life, Katz as well as others agree that it will ultimately “create a lasting impact on this campus!”
In terms of the new collaboration between Israel Club and SGA, many are excited to see this collaboration continue in the future. Both Katz and Sheena expressed that this new duo offered refreshing contributions to this year’s Field Day. Katz clarified, “The entire SGA loved the opportunity we had to collaborate with Israel Club. They are such an ambitious, creative, and thoughtful group, and we hope to work alongside them again in the future.”
Both Sheena and Katz loved seeing the incorporation of Jewish values and Israeli culture. SGA club outreach and coordination officer, Grey Warren, explained, “Last year we had ice cream as a station but this year Israel club is running a Shuck, and they’re going to have activities and food.” Some of these activities included a rock wall, karaoke, tzedakah box decorating, and decorating with chalk. Shucks are outdoor markets that typically sell Israeli food, souvenirs, clothes, spices, and many other Israel-related items, and can be found all across the country of Israel. Incorporating this element into this year’s Field Day allowed the student body to form a deeper connection with their Israeli and Jewish values, while also making unforgettable memories with their peers in a lively and game-filled environment.
While surprising at first, this duo managed to make this year’s Field Day as many have described as one of the best the school has ever witnessed. While this year’s Field Day was contrary to what the Emery community is used to, from the viewpoint of the student body and faculty, it was assembled flawlessly and made for a perfect day!
