On Friday, October 11th, 2024, Dobbs Ferry High School held its 19th annual MAC Day. MAC Day is the school’s way of commemorating the lasting effect that Coach Mac had on the school. Coach Mac was a football coach who was a great inspiration to many students and staff alike. During this event, every grade wears a different color shirt and chooses their own grade theme. This year, the themes were: Flashy Freshmen (Yellow), Speedy Sophomores (Red), Jedi Juniors (Green), and Spartan Seniors (Blue).
In order to make MAC Day a successful and enjoyable experience for everyone, the staff works hard to ensure that every single student has something to enjoy, no matter where their strengths lie. Throughout the day, there are a multitude of activities to choose from. These activities include putting up grade-themed posters, the MAC Mile, a Spikeball tournament, trivia, a talent show, competitive chess, therapy dogs, Mario Kart, and much more.
Photo by: Dylan Selimaj
Each student enjoys different aspects of the day, and I interviewed participants about why MAC Day appeals to them. For some, the appeal is in the specific activities themselves. Clemens Brass, a Junior, says he enjoys MAC Day “because I get to have a competitive Spikeball environment. And my grade wins.” Last year, the now Juniors claimed victory in a massive upset which is a memory none of them will soon forget.
For others, they appreciate the camaraderie the day creates: “I really enjoy watching people who normally wouldn’t work together working together to win,” says Mars Cabrera (Sophomore). “It really brings everyone together and it’s really fun.”. The sense of unity that MAC Day brings is felt by all grades: “MAC Day lets me have fun with people in school I don’t usually get to hang out with while I’m doing work,” says Eliza Watkins, a Senior who, on her final MAC Day, finally got to celebrate her grade winning the day.
After tallying the total points won from each event, the Spartan Seniors in the Class of 2025 came out with the win for this year’s MAC Day. The entire day is not only to remember Coach Mac but to strengthen school spirit and allow the DFHS students and staff to come together.