The community gathered on Feb. 23 for games, interaction and more
Public school districts across the United States have taken a beating from funding cuts, overcrowded classrooms, the rise of charters and vouchers and attempts to establish a common core curriculum, among other factors. Palmyra is no exception to the suffering, as it struggles to deal with these shared challenges and its own set of unique problems, including a lack of a standalone middle school and a recent state performance report that ranked Palmyra High School in the bottom two of 50 similar districts.
But on Feb. 23, Palmyra staff, students and community members were able to escape these hardships and celebrate the district’s strengths at Panther Con, a first-time event where parents, students, administration and teachers came together for an evening of games and hero- and fandom-themed family fun. By and large, the undertaking was a success, supervisor of curriculum and instruction Stacy Saia said. The event was the district’s answer to the disconnect between the schools and the families who send their children there.
“It was a huge success in terms of bringing everyone together. We’ve gotten the most amazing, positive feedback,” Saia said. “Everyone is so happy, and there are so many people who got to see each other and interact. We were all there for the same reason.”
Saia, who modeled the event after a similar one put on by Burlington City School District each year, was moved by the support and assistance of the 501st Independent Fire Company, more than 100 volunteers and at least 550 guests who filled the halls of Palmyra High School for Panther Con. She attributed the night’s smooth-sailing to John Russell, the director of curriculum and instruction for Burlington City Schools, who advised her through the entire process and lent his immense collection of fandom-related memorabilia that is used at the Burlington events each year.
Russell, who manned the trivia wheel as Luke Skywalker, was one of many who showed up to fulfill their volunteer commitments in full costume. Panther mascots made their rounds to rally the Palmyra Proud spirit, and borough council members stepped away from their municipal posts to be among the people.
Councilperson Mindie Weiner, who volunteered for Star Wars trivia, said she knew immediately that Panther Con would a perfect opportunity to bring the community together.
“These types of events need lots of hands on deck to make them a success,” she said. “I think any event that brings people together for social interaction and a good time is crazy important. One of the things I love best about Palmyra is our community involvement. We are very lucky to have so many neighbors come out for a good chat and good time.”
