Rainbow students root for teams on College Game Day

Team colors of every hue were worn proudly on “College Game Day” at Rainbow Elementary School.

‘Kick-off’ was held after the school day at 3:05 on Oct. 12 for Rainbow fifth- and sixth-graders. For their annual social event, the students vote on the theme.

Rainbow students at College Game Day are Kathryn Anderson, from left, Abbey Patrick, Linda Zuiater, Mackenzie Barnett, Savannah Buchanan and Meredith McBride.

“The social gives students an opportunity to get to know each other better in a safe environment,” event coordinator Francine McBride said. “The students always look forward to this all year.” Her daughter Maddie is in fifth grade and daughter Meredith is in sixth grade.

“Parent volunteers decorated the cafeteria to replicate the inside of a football stadium, complete with tailgating area for serving food, a mural of fans and a lined football field,” McBride said.

ESPN commentators Lee Corso and Kirk Herbstreit made an appearance. “We played fan favorites, such as Alabama and Auburn’s fight songs, and the song by Zombie Nation,” McBride said.

For tailgating treats, they enjoyed football-shaped brownies, pretzels, Gatorade, water and other snacks. Door prizes were awarded.

Fifth- and sixth-graders teachers at Rainbow joined the fun and help chaperone and coordinate the event. “Teachers also all wore their game day apparel from their favorite team,” McBride said. “They were awesome with their assistance.”

For some fast moves, students learned a couple of dances from Dance Trance members before the event. “Dance Trance came back to lead the dances,” McBride said.

About 40 parents visited College Game Day. “Parents helped with everything from setting up, serving food, clean up and chaperoning,” she said.

Sixth-grader Meredith McBride wore Auburn University attire. Her father graduated from AU, and Meredith loves going to the games and Tiger Walk. “The most fun part of the social was dancing with Dance Trace and all of the door prizes,” Meredith said. Meredith’s parents are Marshall and Francine McBride.

Lija Abele is a University of Alabama fan “because they are a really good team and I love Big Al.” She enjoyed watching the “awkward boys” at the dance. Her parents are Robert and Gun Abele.