Rain or Shine: Strake Jesuit's Spring Fling

Mother Nature is at times an ill-tempered individual, one with an apparent distaste for school spirit. For the second time in three years, inclement weather pushed Strake Jesuit’s annual Spring Fling festival indoors, forcing volunteers to scramble to get things in order. Undeterred by the rain, however, they worked tirelessly to ensure the festival’s success, promptly completing the venue change without so much as hitch.

With the unforeseen logistical issues addressed, Spring Fling’s 47th year proved a resounding success. Boasting food, games and music, it was a day few students missed if they could help it. Aside from the always-popular poker table, this year’s biggest attraction was the large ticket of student-led bands, a much larger point of emphasis than before. Featuring a wide variety of bands fronted by students of varying grade levels, the stage demanded a large presence of curious and passionate listeners throughout the day. Kontumely and Go Lions, Strake Jesuit’s pair of resident heavy metal acts, performed an extended joint set that piqued the attention of many of the festival’s attendees. The group of upperclassmen confidently sang, screamed, and moshed their ways through a collection of both original and familiar songs, engaging with their sizable crowd throughout the performance. As far as I can tell, Strake Jesuit is Houston’s “most metal” private school - and that’s a title I can get behind.

Personally, when I think of Spring Fling, the first thing that comes to my mind is food. And, for all the hungry teenagers such as me, this year did not disappoint: a brief walk around the premises revealed room after room filled to the brim with enough cotton candy, fried chicken and crawfish to quell even the stoutest of youthful appetites. Beyond simply purchasing food, the festival offered a handful of opportunities to win some goodies as well. Though I’ve never had much success when it comes to carnival games, a tiny freshman buckling under the weight of 8 liters of sugary, carbonated winnings isn’t an uncommon sight.

Beyond the festivities and merrymaking, though, Spring Fling’s true purpose is one of compassion and generosity. Every year, the money generated throughout the festival is directly added to the school’s financial aid fund, giving low-income students the opportunity to join our community. Much of this capital is generated through raffle ticket sales; throughout the second semester, students are given the opportunity to sell tickets in exchange for free dress and a handful of extra holidays. All in all, students get days off, the financial aid fund gets a huge boost, and somebody wins a Lexus - it’s a win-win-win!

Strake Jesuit certainly has no shortage of unique traditions, but Spring Fling, with its benevolent intentions and jovial atmosphere, defines itself as one of the very best. Senior-led metal bands and extra holidays are pretty fantastic on their own, but when paired with the opportunity to expand our community’s diversity and accessibility, you’ve got yourself a recipe for something special. Hopefully, Mother Nature chooses to join in on the fun next year.