Students will experience a unique display of school spirit and pride in the form of lively flames at Natrona County High School’s annual Natrona Fest Thursday evening.
This is a tradition referred to as the burning of the NC. After an evening filled with food trucks, yard games, and experiencing what the school has to offer, students, teachers, and families gather while the sun sets. In front of them stands two large metal letters wrapped in cloth, spelling out NC.
The NCHS marching band readies their instruments and music fills the air of the North Lawn. The rapid music plays leading to what the crowd is waiting for.
“It’s pretty tense, but not in like a bad way, just kind of feel energy, like all the energy going around,” said sophomore Jack Huss when describing the crowd leading up to this moment. Huss is a member of the NCHS marching band and has witnessed first hand this event and the reactions to it previously.
After a couple minutes of anticipation someone will go up and set the cloth aflame.The fire grows quickly, and soon the entire NC is covered in bright orange flames. The excited crowd cheers as the smoke rises into the air.
“I think that is a spot that you feel school spirit more than any other single point in an educational career is when everyone’s surrounds it,” said Assistant Principal James Downs.
He explained this is a moment that helps unite the NCHS community in school pride. “I feel very proud to be a Mustang, like in that moment. You know, I feel those butterflies that make me feel like this is the best place on Earth.”
