Friday Night Lights

This has been a hard time for many in the United States. Not the least have been students, that have seen all of their school activities disappear in the wake of people trying to stay safe from the virus, that has infected many and killed tens of thousands throughout the nation. There are seniors even in danger of not being able to have graduation ceremonies in some states. This past Friday, Carbon County School District No. 2 (CCSD2) joined the country in paying tribute to the students graduating in 2020 and first responders who have been helping victims of COVID-19 day to day.

Looking to make spirits brighter during the COVID-19 outbreak, the symbolic act of turning on high school stadium lights has become a movement brought on by social media with the hashtag #BeTheLight across the country that started recently.

CCSD2 along with schools across the state took part in the nationwide campaign #BeTheLight. Stories vary on where the #BeTheLight movement began, but similar events have taken place in Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, Tennessee and Texas recently. There is a non-profit organization that is named #BeTheLight that focuses on uplifting spirits for people that are finding a hard time in life. They have used light bulbs in campaigns before, but their website makes no mention of the #BeTheLight movement that has been taking place in the high school stadiums.

The stadium lights across the country turned on at 8:20 p.m. for 20 minutes. The time is symbolic in honoring 2020 graduates. Military time for 8:20 p.m. is 20:20. The twenty minutes reinforces the seniors graduating this year.

Many schools are participating already and probably more will as schools stay shut and first responders continue to put their lives at risk to help the nation. Saratoga High School will turn the lights on again next week. Participants usually stay in cars and some honk support.

It doesn't matter where the idea actually came from. What matters, is the spirit in which it is happening.