“We started planning for bingo the day we got back from winter break. It is a long and thorough process. We like to make sure we give businesses enough time to respond,” explained Media Literacy teacher Brittney Falk.
One of the most popular aspects of bingo night is the prize table. This year, participants can expect an assortment of different items from signed Steelers memorabilia and Pittsburgh Pirates tickets to passes for Urban Air. Gift certificates for haircuts, art supplies, pet items and more are also options.
“There’s literally something for everyone,” said Falk.
One of the first steps was teaching the interns the practical work behind the scenes: completing necessary forms and learning how to contact businesses professionally through email and business websites.
“We have an extensive contact list we’ve been building for four years,” Falk said, adding that those outreach skills are a key part of the students’ learning experience.
In addition to the wide variety of prizes, the structure of Bingo Night allows participants to play for specific baskets they are interested in. Each prize basket is connected to its own bingo card, giving players the opportunity to choose which prizes they want to compete for. Rather than playing for one general prize pool, attendees can select multiple cards tied to different baskets, making the experience more personalized and exciting.
Student involvement plays a major role in making Bingo Night possible. Media Literacy students are responsible for organizing prize baskets, reaching out to businesses and helping promote the event throughout the community. By working hands-on through each step of the planning process, students gain real-world experience while contributing to a school tradition.
With weeks of preparation already underway, this year’s Bingo Night is shaping up to be both a fun-filled evening and a showcase of student leadership. From securing donations to organizing prize baskets and promoting the event, Media Literacy interns have played a key role in bringing the night together. As the time approaches, the P-T community can look forward to an exciting event that highlights school spirit, collaboration and the power of hands-on learning.