Clarke Central High School students play soccer in the CCHS Competition Gym during the first Big Event: Block Party of the 2025-26 school year on Dec. 3, 2025. The event was started in the 2023-24 school year as a way to reward students who have good attendance. “I think (this event) gives students a break that they need when many are stressed about exams coming up,” CCCHS sophomore Rosalie Stephens said. Photo by Iliana Tejada
The second Big Event: Block Party of the 2025-26 school year will take place during Advisement on Wednesday, April 22 with various activities for eligible students to engage in.
Clarke Central High School will host the second Big Event: Block Party of the 2025-26 school year on Wednesday, April 22. The event will take place during Advisement in the Competition Gym and is open to students who have 15 or fewer unexcused absences and five or fewer tardies between Jan. 6 and April 17.
Organized in part by CCHS Multi-Classroom Leader Brad Williford, along with several other members of the CCHS Administrative Team and support staff, the Big Event: Block Party is meant to reward students with exemplary attendance.
“Attendance makes a big difference. If students are not here, they’re less likely to learn the material, which means they will not achieve the same level of academic success. So, we’re trying to find ways to encourage students to come to school and to help celebrate those that do,” Williford said.
Eligible students will receive wristbands during first block on Wednesday that will give them access to the event, which will feature different activities, such as face painting and a dance contest. Additionally, for the second time since it was introduced, the Big Event: Block Party will host representatives from various local businesses and organizations, like the Athens Community Career Academy.
“These (programs) have information (about) after-school programs, summer programs or (other) things that (students) might be interested in doing to learn more about for life after high school,” Williford said. “A lot of these (programs) were at the Career, College, and Community Fair last month. So, they have information that might be worthwhile for students to hear, because the fair was only for juniors and seniors, whereas (the Big Event: Block Party) is (for all) grade levels.”
“Attendance makes a big difference. If students are not here, they’re less likely to learn the material, which means they will not achieve the same level of academic success. So, we’re trying to find ways to encourage students to come to school and to help celebrate those that do.”
— Brad Williford,
CCHS Multi-Classroom Leader
Students who are not eligible to attend will remain in their first period, which will be extended in order to accommodate the event. CCHS sophomore Rosalie Stephens has gone to several in the past and plans to attend the Big Event: Block Party.
“They’re pretty fun, and it’s nice to have a break from school and spend time with friends,” Stephens said.
