Journalism and theater departments recently competed in a capture-the-flag style Nerf Gun battle. Theater declared a “friendly pirate war” against journalism, which escalated from pranks to mock-violence.

“I had a blast. It was so fun to see all of those people there with their Nerf guns just having a great time,” Theater teacher Jeremy Ferman said. “People went and torpedoed people from the catwalk, and were just running around with foam noodles beating each other; it was great.”

Each team hid their respective “flags” (journalism with a gel holder , and theater with a telephone) within the performing arts center.

“Fortunately, journalism [kids] forgot that we were playing capture the flag, and one of the theater students was smart enough to go ‘Hey, we’re looking for a flag. I’m going to go find it,’” Mr. Ferman said.

Junior Madi Ward won the match for theater. About 20 minutes into the battle, she noticed people stopped paying attention to the goal, and became preoccupied with shooting each other.

“It was so much fun. And I captured the flag, so obviously I feel like a hero,” Ward said.

Within minutes, Ward found the gel holder underneath a couch hidden in the dark.

“It was like butterflies in my stomach. It was all in slow motion, and so vibrant. I walked casually over to the couch, and stood on the couch and yelled for victory,” Ward said. “It was a magnificent moment in my life. I really felt like I did something for theatre.”

Mr. Ferman considers the plan for an amiable rivalry a success.

“I think the Nerf War will have to be an annual thing. It was a lot of fun,” Mr. Ferman said.