Hundreds of students, families and fans looped around the Gonzaga Prep campus by car on Friday, May 1, joining hundreds of high schools around the country in the “Be the Light” campaign. Beginning at 8:20 p.m., the lights of Bullpup Stadium were turned on and shined brightly for 20 minutes as coaches and staff greeted cars that were lined up for blocks for their chance to celebrate socially distanced togetherness.

 

 “These young people have lost a great deal this spring, but have shown tremendous resilience and understanding in seeing past themselves and knowing that they are doing their part to keep our community safe. Their experience has taught them different, but equally important lessons,” said Athletic Director Paul Manfred.

As masked coaches and staff handed out spring sports programs and posters it was evident that all were moved by the moments of connection the event provided during the pandemic. Many cars looped around several times before the lights were extinguished.