HDS Turkey Bowl Celebration

By Jo Pickard, Physical Education Teacher, Coach, and Department Chair

As Thanksgiving approaches, the excitement in middle school builds up for the annual Turkey Bowl! This beloved event is more than just a sports day—it’s a celebration of athleticism, teamwork, and school spirit. This year’s Turkey Bowl features basketball, flag football, long base, and hit-the-pin. Students in grades four through eight get to showcase their skills and enjoy some friendly competition.

What is Turkey Bowl?

The Turkey Bowl is an exciting sports competition held annually in November. Students compete in athletics while fostering camaraderie and school spirit. Whether students are dribbling on the basketball court, hitting a tennis ball and running to a base, kicking and rolling a ball to knock down 3 pins or flag pulling on the field, the Turkey Bowl promotes teamwork, sportsmanship, and fun. It’s a great way for students to connect with their peers and enjoy a break from their usual routines. The Turkey Bowl is more than just a sports event; it’s a community celebration. The atmosphere is filled with excitement as everyone shows their school spirit, by wearing team colors and creating colorful signs.

         4th Grade Hit-the-Pin: This year fourth grade get to join the fun. Fourth graders compete with their class again the other fourth grade class to Hit-the-Pin. The kicking team scores points by running between two cones until the fielding team rolls a ball to knock down one of three stationary cones, ending the round.

         5th Grade Australian Long Base: For the 5th graders, the Turkey Bowl brings a unique twist with a game of Long Base in the gym. Team Blue and Team Gold alternate between hitting and fielding, using three bases with a long distance to second base. The hitting team scores by reaching and staying on bases.

         6th Grade Basketball: This is their chance to shine on the court, demonstrating their dribbling, shooting, and teamwork skills.

         7th and 8th Grade Flag Football: Finally, the 7th and 8th graders will take to the field for a game of flag football.These games are an eagerly awaited event, where students can display their agility, strategy, and teamwork on the field.

The Turkey Bowl is a cherished tradition that brings together students for a day of fun, friendship, and competition. As we gear up for another exciting Turkey Bowl, let’s celebrate the spirit of teamwork, sportsmanship, and community that makes this event so special. Here’s to a memorable Turkey Bowl!