The Upper School hosted its first official “Gator Games” last Friday, after a week of team challenges that culminated in a final field event during community block.

The idea, developed over the summer by Student Life Director Tess Cicala, aimed to promote unity and enthusiasm throughout the community. Cicala first introduced the concept of Gator Games at Upper School camp. 

“One of my big projects for myself was to come up with something that promoted more community and school spirit,” Cicala said. “I wanted people to be really excited about something and have some sort of friendly competition as we got the school year started.” 

Cicala drew inspiration from activities other schools use to build spirit, including traditional color wars. Instead of four colors, however, the Gator Games system adopted the School’s signature green and white. At Upper School Camp, students were assigned to a team that they will remain on for the rest of their high school years.

Throughout the week, students participated in Spirit Week that led up to the Green & White day on Friday. Students played a competitive game of rock-paper-scissors, and cheered for their classmates during Community Block on Friday.  

In addition to monthly Gator Games, students could also earn points from teachers by helping in the classroom, demonstrating examples of the Core Values, or volunteering for the community.  

Each team had three spirit captains elected from the Senior class, and they help bring enthusiasm and energy to the games.  

“I love Brimmer, and I want to be able to enrich and bring the most to the Brimmer community that I can,” Green Team Spirit Captain Max Birnbaum ‘26 said. “I saw this as a way that I could do that and to connect with other grades.” 

Many Spirit Captains also saw this as an opportunity to connect with younger students, teachers, and altogether make memories as leaders in their final year.

“I had an awesome senior class [my freshmen year], and I got so much support and help,” Birnbaum said. “And I think this is a good way of carrying that into the future of Brimmer.” 

Cicala said she was thrilled with how the first Gator Games unfolded.  

“I saw a lot of smiling faces and a lot more spirit than I have in years past,” Cicala said. “There’s always room to grow, but for a first go at it, I was really happy.” 

Looking ahead, Cicala shared plans to make the Gator Games a monthly tradition. 

“We’ll do it every month during a community block,” she said. “This week we went with some fun balloon games, and I have a lot more in my back pocket.” 

She also expressed excitement about future events, including a pep-rally in January and the final game at field day during the end of the year. 

“That’s where the winner will be announced, and we’ll have the Gator Cup,” she said. “The team who wins will get their prize.” 

Cicala added that the upcoming gym renovation will open even more possibilities. 

“Once we have the gym, it’s going to be huge,” Cicala said. “I have so many big ideas for the Games—things we just can’t do right now. I’m thinking air mattress sliding competitions and all that fun stuff.” 

Ultimately, Cicala sees the Gator Games as more than just a competition. 

 “It’s been a really fun challenge for me,” she said. “I care about all the students so much and just want everyone to have an awesome Upper School experience. The goal is to have everybody have a little bit more fun at school.” 

Although the Green Team secured the temporary title, the Gator Games left a lasting impression on the entire school. Students and staff alike expressed enthusiasm for continuing the event in future years.   

“It keeps people coming together, and I think that’s a point Brimmer wants to make with these community games,” Birnbaum said. “I am excited. I really enjoy growing as a community.”