Monroe High School hosted its first ever Monroe Pride Night on Sep. 26. The main purpose was to raise money for books and other reading materials for Trojan Family Time classes.

Monroe Pride Night included many activities such as carnival games, a cake walk, slime-making, a silent auction, and free admission to the volleyball game. The biggest fundraiser for Monroe High was the test driving of vehicles sponsored by Friendly Ford. $20 was given by the local dealership for every person who drove a Lincoln.

La-Z-Boy also joined the efforts to raise money for literacy materials at MHS. Those who brought an old Kindle or other E-Reader (still is working condition) or a new book or magazine geared toward high school aged students, received a chance to win a new La-Z-Boy chair.

“It was all great. I enjoyed it all,” said senior Charlie Frank. “We’re more than just books and homework; we’re a Trojan family.”

School clubs and teams like Student Council, Interact and the sideline cheer team were all participants in Monroe Pride Night.

“It was a lot of fun cheering with little kids at Monroe Pride,” said senior Prezley Pietszak.

Although the main purpose was to raise money for literacy, there were also indirect goals Principal Valerie Orr wanted to accomplish as a school.

“We had three goals, and they were to open our doors to the community to show everyone what we were so proud of, to make an opportunity to have teachers and students interact in a non-classroom setting, and to raise money for ‘reading for fun’ in TFT ,” said Orr. “It was also an opportunity to show people who don’t go to this school what Monroe was all about.”

Students who were involved in Monroe Pride Night had the chance to experience their school and teachers in a new light.

“It presented Monroe High in a new way,” said Frank.

As far as the outcome, everyone was thrilled with the success of Monroe Pride Night.

“I was super-duper excited about it; how successful it was blew my mind,” said Orr.

Monroe Pride Night was all about having fun and playing different games, but it wouldn’t have happened without the hard work of Monroe High school staff.

“I hope people realize how much time and effort went into it, and see how dedicated people who work here are to the students,” said Orr. “They are what creates a good culture for students to learn in.”