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Fife High School was founded in 1916, making it one the older schools in Washington. This long history comes with many traditions that are still practiced today, such as “The Trojan Walk”, where incoming students get inducted into the school. Another tradition is a special day called Cabbage Patch.

Before the school was built, the land was filled with cabbage fields (hence the name), and now the land is used to host Cabbage patch. In the week leading up to Cabbage Patch, there is spirit week and exciting sport games. Then on Friday, all classes are cancelled, and the day starts with a volleyball tournament. Following that, we have lunch and then head out to the football field where we begin the actual Cabbage Patch, which is our own version of the Olympics. After lighting the Trojan Torch – a hollowed-out cabbage that we light on fire – there’s games like tug-of-war, car push, cabbage bobbing, cabbage throw, an obstacle course, and many others.

The atmosphere is alive with competition and excitement, providing endless opportunities to meet new classmates and strengthen bonds through spirited grade rivalries. Senior Logan Marquart says that, “Cabbage Patch is one of the biggest moments for a Fife High School student, the intense games and competitive atmosphere makes Cabbage Patch worth every moment.” Each win grants your grade points, and at the end of the day, the scores from the volleyball game, spirit week, olympics, and ASB purchases get added up. The winner is announced and the Trojan Shield is awarded.

Personally, Cabbage Patch has been one of the best memories of all my school years. With all the feelings that come with the end of Summer and the beginning of the school year, this event makes coming back to school a little easier and more fun. After not seeing many people for a few months, I get to connect with my peers and enjoy a day strictly meant for a good time. When asking my classmates what Cabbage Patch means to them, Junior Hunter Kruse says, “Sometimes in the beginning of the year people don’t want to come to school but with a fun and chaotic event like Cabbage Patch it creates an atmosphere where you feel you are connected to the school.”

With this day being in September, all the new students have the opportunity to meet friends, make memories, and begin to understand the true culture of Fife. At Fife, we have the saying, “Fife for Life,” evident by the Alumni Walk, where past graduates are invited back to walk and represent their decade during the Homecoming Football Game. During Christmas time, we put on “Winter Wishes,” where we give back to the community by providing gifts that children wish for.

But also, the community within the students is something very special. At Fife, we see the student body as a family, made apparent by Logan, who says, “Although all the grade levels are competing against each other, at the end of the day we still come together as Fife Trojans.”

Over the last 2 years of participating in Cabbage Patch, I’ve noticed that some students are too shy, insecure, or worrying about looking stupid, yet I strongly advise you to not be this way. I’m positive that these kids did not experience Cabbage Patch like the rest of us, and I don’t want anyone missing out on experiences that we only get a few times. At the end of the day, it comes down to what’s important to you: having fun with your friends or letting worries about how others might see you get in the way.

With this, I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone, learn to have a good time, and just be yourself. Enjoy the moment and create memories that will last a lifetime. Remember, we’re only highschoolers once, and we’re not here for a long time, we’re here for a good time.