Tonight starting at 8pm, the field lights at the St. Joseph-Ogden Sports Complex will be on for 20 minutes for "Lights for the Fight" phenomenon that is sweeping through the state. High schools around the state are turning the lights on as a show of support for seniors and front-line and essential workers who are doing their part in the country's fight to save lives and keep fellow American safe during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Many states and high schools around the country have organized various initiatives involving school lights according the Illinois High School Association.
"Mt. Carmel High School in Chicago was one of the early adopters in putting the spotlight on this cause in Illinois. Caravan administrators asked their fellow Chicago Catholic League schools to take part via social media, and it has now grown statewide."
Some schools are making this gesture a Friday night tradition. It is unknown at this time if St. Joseph-Ogden will do the same.
The show of solidarity and support will have extra significance as Governor J.B. Pritzker is expected to announce that schools will remain close for the rest of this academic year today or tomorrow. The Illinois governor has also hinted that the current shelter-in-place order may be extended into mid-May as other state leaders have chosen to implement.
The closure and stay-at-home extension will undoubtedly force the IHSA to cancel this spring's high school athletic season for thousands of athletes around the state.
We will honor our seniors & healthcare workers at SJO tonight. The football & softball field lights will be turned on for 20 minutes tonight from 8:00-8:20 PM. @Maroon_Platoon @SJOFootball @SJOSoftball @SJOBaseball @SJORunning @SJOGirlsHoops @SJOVolleyball pic.twitter.com/bNVPcaeV3R
— SJO AD (@SJOsports) April 17, 2020
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