ASB organizes new events aimed at increasing unity

ASB also makes preparations for the annual Baccalaureate for outgoing seniors

The Palo Alto High School Associated Student Body (ASB) has been hard at work planning events for the end of the year. Recently, ASB has unveiled new activities such as Hogwarts Week and Viking Best of the Best Sports Fest, while also preparing the senior class for the upcoming Baccalaureate and graduation ceremonies.

Hogwarts Week, introduced this year, is a Harry Potter-themed competition (similar to Spirit Week) from April 27 to May 1 which includes inter-class competition such as a Triwizard quidditch tournament. In its inaugural year, Hogwarts Week was warmly received.

“I have been dreaming of a Hogwarts Week for a long time now,” senior class president Maya Ben-Efraim said.

Viking Best of the Best Sports Fest, which will start on May 19, will include ultimate frisbee, flag football and volleyball games between classes. Powder Puff Football, traditionally occupies the mid-May timeslot, but will not be held this year due to its antiquated stance on gender equality.

The class of 2015 will soon be leaving Paly, so in addition to planning activities, ASB also has to organize Baccalaureate.

This year’s Baccalaureate will include performances by students as well as speeches from guest speakers and will be held at The Flint Center at De Anza College.

Past speakers include Jim Harbaugh, former 49ers and current University of Michigan football coach and David Shaw, current head football coach at Stanford. This years speaker will be Ann Muira-Ko, a partner in a Bay Area venture capital firm and Stanford University lecturer.

Baccalaureate will be held the night of the last day of school and is a more formal opportunity for students to take photos with their family and friends.

As the school year comes to a close, ASB continues to strive to promote equality, organize events and encourage friendly competition between students.