Baldwin High School Hosts 89th Sportsnite

89th Baldwin High School Sportsnite resumes after year-long pandemic induced hiatus. A Baldwin High School tradition since 1933, Sportsnite was founded by long-time physical education supervisor, Ethel T. Kloberg. Creating the event when girls were not allowed to participate in inter-school athletics, the tradition strengthens female bonds as well as empowering them. At least 150 girls participated this year.

Baldwinites were thrilled to see the revival, especially the students. Starting with the Saturday Preview, all the customary events transpired throughout the week – Sneak-Preview, Father/Daughter Night, Mother/Daughter Banquet and the Tea Dance. All reaching a culminative head when Sportsnite happened on Saturday night March 12.

Meredith Healy, coordinator of Intramural Night and Sportsnite, as well as an art teacher at Baldwin High School, explained that “Sportsnite allows every member to participate and reach the same high level of success.”

The activities, Healy says allows the students to form unique bonds, “When a member of the team struggles, her teammates work together teaching, leading and encouraging her. There is a place for everyone in this program and the girls create bonds and memories that will last a lifetime.” “I am grateful to Ms. Melissa Watts, the advisors and the girls for all of their hard work and dedication to this program,” she concluded.

Three months of rehearsals paid off for both dance teams as an audience watched in synch choreographed performances. The final score was 28 to Gold team and 22 to Blue, with the Gold Team winning overall. Under the direction of Team Captains, Rubena Malik and Chloe Cruz, the Gold Team – whose theme this year was “Golden Goddesses” – won the Banquet, Pre-Sportsnite Cooperation, Tea Dance, Games and Dance. Blue Team Captains, Sonia Singh and Megan-Amani Ransom, led their team to win for Sportsnite Cooperation, Entrance, Stunts and Tumbling. Their theme was “Blue’s Wild West.”

While both teams were competitive, it was a friendly competition, where winning didn’t so much matter, but rather the bonds and friendships formed that come out of this Baldwin legacy did.

Melissa Watts, the Music Director for Sportsnite, spoke highly of this year’s events and teams. “Sportsnite 2022 will always be close to my heart. You put on a spectacular show – you brought the audience back and they cheered proudly ad loudly,” she said to the girls. “You lead your team in crazy uncertain times and last night [during Sportsnite and] gave everyone a sense of not only normalcy, but that we are back and better than ever. You brought the Spirit of Baldwin back. Wear your colors proudly” Watts stated excitedly to the girls who participated.

“I want to thank all of our wonderful advisors, staff, parents, friends and family who continue to make this Baldwin tradition possible. Special thanks to Mrs. Healy for all of her hard work and dedication to Sportsnite,” said Dr. Neil Testa, principal of Baldwin High School.

The district and community is already looking forward to celebrating a big milestone when next year Sportsnite turns 90.