Westfield Washington Schools staff celebrate at annual “Laugh It Off” event
By ASHLEY KNOTT
Westfield Education Foundation Executive Director
On Friday, April 26, the Westfield Washington Schools staff was treated to an evening filled with laughter, camaraderie, and appreciation at the annual Laugh It Off event.
Held to honor the staff’s hard work and dedication, the event was a resounding success, thanks to the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders within the Westfield community.
The event, exclusively for Westfield Washington Schools staff, started with a tempting array of appetizers skillfully prepared by the WHS Culinary students and the WHS Foodies Rock Club. These delicious treats set the stage for an evening filled with entertainment and laughter.
At Westfield Schools, we emphasize creating Life Ready opportunities. Laugh It Off provided those moments, with our Advanced Guitar Class welcoming guests upon arrival at The Palladium, the event’s home for the past three years.
The evening commenced with a spirited performance by Westfield High School Alumni, who pumped up the crowd with the school fight song. This energetic start set the tone for the rest of the evening’s festivities.
The spotlight shifted to the WHS Comedy Sportz League, whose witty jokes and comedic sketches stole the show. Their sharp humor and infectious energy put the audience in stitches, proving that talent knows no bounds, even among the student body.
The charismatic MCs Kyle Messmore, Westfield Education Foundation Board President, and Justin Mull, Westfield Middle School Assistant Principal, guided the audience through the night’s festivities. Their wit and charm added an extra layer of enjoyment to the event, keeping the energy high and the laughs plentiful.
Westfield Middle School teacher James Howard graciously volunteered to welcome our main act with soulful notes from his saxophone, adding a touch of musical charm to the event.
During the event, the attendees were entertained by a nationally touring comedian well-known for his humor and quick wit. The comedian has been a semi-finalist on NBC’s Last Comic Standing and has two Dry Bar Comedy specials to his credit. His latest album, Party Troll, debuted at No. 1 on the iTunes comedy charts, further cementing his popularity and comedic talent. His jokes and laughter delighted the audience, and he quickly won them over.
Throughout the evening, staff members not only received the gift of levity and laughter but were also treated to prizes and gifts, generously provided by our esteemed sponsors and community partners. It was a heartwarming gesture that underscored the deep appreciation for the dedication and hard work of the staff members.
The success of the event was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Westfield Education Foundation, Westfield Administration, WWS PTOs, and our invaluable community partners such as Duke Energy Foundation and KI Furniture Knowledge. Their unwavering support and generosity, which played a crucial role in bringing the event to fruition, deserve special recognition. Their contributions allowed staff members to come together and celebrate in style.
“We enjoyed the opportunity to support the Westfield Education Foundation through an evening of fun and laughter,” Duke Energy Government and Community Relations Manager Mark LaBarr said. “One of the most important investments we can make is in the people and communities we serve. By supporting local educators and staff through the work of the Westfield Education Foundation, we hope to help create opportunities for students to thrive and reach their full potential.”
Duke Energy provided two STEM activity kits – containing supplies (cups, popsickle sticks, straws, ping pong balls, etc.) for 400 students to perform experiments – for a drawing to reward teachers. Duke also provided the Indianapolis Indians suite drawn by a lucky teacher for a game this summer.
As the night ended, attendees departed with hearts full of gratitude and memories to cherish, as well as a light show outside the Palladium. The Laugh It Off event not only provided a fun-filled evening but also served as a powerful reminder of the strength of the Westfield community and the importance of coming together to celebrate and appreciate one another. Until next year’s event, let the spirit of appreciation and collaboration thrive within the Westfield Washington Schools community.