About 500 students and their families turned out for the Family Tailgate event sponsored by the Cuyahoga Heights Elementary School (CHES) Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) on Friday, September 29. The event, which was held from 5:30-7 p.m. prior to the Homecoming football game, was the work of a dedicated committee of nine volunteers coordinated by Mary Snyder, said Carolyn Pajestka, CHES PTO vice president. According to Pajestka, this year’s event had more than double the RSVP’s compared to last year’s tailgate.
Guests enjoyed grilled hot dogs, chips, sweet treats, and other snacks. There was also music, games, 50/50 raffles, spirit wear sales, and a special performance by the Red Wolves Marching Band under the direction of Noah Hamrick. The Red Rubies drill team also put in an appearance. A station featuring temporary tattoos was popular with the students as were blow up “thunder sticks” that guests used to show their team spirit. CHES music teacher Angelo Bartolone, who served as the DJ and physical education teacher Joel Kovitch, AKA “Big Red”, who served as EMcee, helped keep the energy level going throughout the evening.
“Families seemed to enjoy eating together, having fun on the playgrounds, showing pride in their school, and just spending time with the school community,” said Pajestka about the success of the event.
Pictured: The district’s drone took several photos during the evening.