Up from the flames rose Freedom’s first successful attempt at increasing school spirit, on September 15. . The bonfire started at 6 p.m. Students from all grades assembled down by the Freedom Area Middle School to show their support for Homecoming court. Most attendees said they were glad that they went. Between the fire, the volleyball, and the Corn Hole Tournament, a few hundred people enjoyed the entertainment. Students stayed up until about 9 p.m. to have as much fun as possible. Anticipation and Perspiration Building a fire isn’t as easy as you would expect; senior Eddie Angeline would know, because he put the whole thing together. Between the wood, kerosene, and flares, there was something that is often in short supply at high schools, and that is pride. The students were excited to see the enormous pile of wood burst into flames. Students seemed to be supportive of the bonfire. Sophomore Ashley Fuse said, “I think it’s a great idea to bring the school together like this. The fire will be huge!” The firemen asked the kids to stand about 80 yards away as the roaring flames started to rise. In the flickering light, you could see the awe-struck teens coming together as a school. The light not only revealed the students, but also all of the Freedom gear that they were wearing to encourage the Freedom sports teams. From the fifth graders to the seniors, the bonfire turned out to be a great success. The band played the half-time show for the spectators, and Christian Beck, a senior, serenaded the entire crowd while they stood back in admiration. In the Hole, That’s the Goal At the bonfire, the Corn Hole Challenge Tournament was the main point of interest. Corn Hole is a game played with bean bags, and two platforms with a hole in each of them. The platforms are a short distance apart and the opponents compete for points by getting the beanbags on the board, or through the hole. There was a rivalry between Mrs. Burger, and her two challengers, Maddi Lewis and Zack Wilson. The two teams would brag about their Corn Hole skills in class, or in the halls. Mrs. Burger’s opponents seemed pretty confident, but Mrs. Burger seemed unconquerable. She even said, “I think there is some good competition here, but I don’t think anybody could beat me.” Most people picked a side, and cheered for their favorite duo. Mrs. Clear said, “My money is on Mrs. Burger!” In the end, Mrs. Clear was incorrect. The intense game of Corn Hole seemed to last forever, but ultimately Mrs. Burger prevailed over her opponents, Wilson and Lewis, in that round. Overall Mrs. Burger did not win the entire tournament, but she plans to win the next one, she said. Josh Herdt and Derek Fajtak took home the championship.