On Saturday, Aug. 23, Antioch Community High School students and staff gathered at the Antioch Aqua Center to celebrate ACHS’s 100th birthday with a pool party.

The night started off with a very successful food drive. All of the proceeds went to the Antioch Open Arms Mission. ACHS has a history of donating and volunteering time to the Open Arms Mission. ACHS managed to donate an entire truckload of non-perishable food items from the celebration.

The event was a great way to kick off the year and get the student’s minds ready for school.

Freshman Lindsey Sherman said, “It’s [the celebration] fun, it’s a good time to socialize, and it’s helpful. It got them [students] up and moving.”

The event was a great way to start a new year by meeting new friends and chatting with others.

“I feel that it is easier for students to approach others outside of school than it is for them inside the school,” said senior Keri Bush.

Students enjoyed the night, and ultimately connected with others. The event brought students from all grade levels together to realize they aren’t too different from each other after all.

Junior Robert Bednarz said, “At the end of the day we’re all students here, and we’re just trying to have a good time.”

At the AAC, there was a screening of The Book Thief along with food and beverages to accompany the film. The movie played under the pavilion at Williams Park while students enjoyed cookies, pizza, chips and more. After the film, students were able to take a swim in the pool with their friends.

The centennial celebration at the AAC was just the beginning of a year full of fun activities celebrating the 100th year of ACHS.