By Isa Bartelt ‘26
On Wednesday, October 11th, Conestoga Valley High School hosted its annual homecoming bonfire. The bonfire is a way for the community to gather together, support the school’s clubs, and recognize the fall sports athletes.
The bonfire is a major fundraiser for many of the attending clubs and sports. Some of the clubs that participated were Mock Trial, Science National Honor Society, National Honor Society, the Drama Department, Mental Health Matters, and Tri-M Music Honor Society. Featured sports teams included marching band, baseball, girls lacrosse, football, cheer, girls tennis, and boys soccer. Two of the classes participated in the fundraising – the class of 2025 and 2026.
Sophomore Connor Lewis mentioned, “It [the bonfire] allows clubs to be more active in the schools day to day, rather than just being an extracurricular outside of school. They can perform, and make an appearance in a place that isn’t just a poster on the school wall.”
As well as being a fundraiser, the bonfire is a way to gather the community together. Events like these show the community what we do as a school and what programs and clubs are available. It also gives a way for younger students to scope out what they may want to do in high school.
Rose Stoltzfus (12) stated that, “They [the community] help support our athletic teams while also participating in a family fun activity to do together.”
The bonfire is not only a community event and a fundraiser but also a way to recognize school athletes. These athletes work hard and this is a way to recognize all the hard work they put in. Sports such as marching band and cheer get to perform during the event, which is their form of recognition. Other sports that got recognized were football, soccer, and field hockey, as well as some of the middle school or junior high teams.
When asked how supporting athletes at the bonfire help foster a sense of pride in the school, Junior Caitlyn Hertzog said, “It shows off the pride that the athletes have for their sport and that pride reflects into the student body and makes the student body feel prideful in their sports teams.”
The community bonfire is a good way to get the community involved with the school’s sports and clubs. This event is crucial for community involvement and helps for a sense of pride just in time for homecoming.