The first ever Pickleball Tournament hosted by Junior Class Council was held at the tennis courts Wednesday through Friday during lunch.

Open to all students, the tournament featured teams of two, each paired against another duo in a randomized bracket-style competition. 16 teams competed for the championship, with eliminations each round until only two teams remained. The winning team, The Twinkies, consisting of juniors Nate Meyers and Jonathan Tan, received a $100 gift basket with items such as a dino nugget pillow and tortilla blanket.

“Even though I don’t play pickleball often, this is honestly such a fun environment to be around,” senior Trina Truong said. “Hanging out with friends here, winning a prize, and if not, just enjoying this experience.”

The event was organized in hopes of boosting class spirit and bringing the Northwood community together. Pickleball was chosen because of its popularity and accessible nature.

“I hope students realize that putting yourself out there in these class events is rewarding,” junior class president George Liu said. “There’s a prize attached to it, but it’s a fun event, so people can focus less on school and more on having fun.”

Although plans for another pickleball tournament are not certain, class council hopes to host similar events in the future.

“With how much I like sports, it feels like I’m alive here,” senior Gavin Lounsbury said. “We did not perform to our ability and like many professionals, we need a comeback story and we’ll get that next time.”

For information on future events hosted by Junior Class Council, visit @nhs.classof26 on Instagram.