Mirabella Miranda is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Phoenix Country Day for AZPreps365.

The Blue & Gold celebration at Phoenix Country Day School is a week-long event that includes spirit days, boat regatta competition, pep rally, carnival and firework extravaganza.

For the first time ever, volleyball will be the center of the event.

“We don’t have the traditional high school experience like homecoming and dances but this is like our thing,” said volleyball player Alex Xanthos.

PCDS is expecting over a thousand to attend and hundreds at the volleyball game on Friday night.

“It’s going to be fun to be the headline sporting event,” said student Justine Money. 

The Eagles are facing American Leadership Academy Queens Creek which is 9-1 and ranked seventh in the 3A division. 

PCDS is 9-2 in the 2A division.

“It will be a good game no matter what because they are very good,” said junior Hannah Drewitz.

The Blue & Gold celebration could provides a huge home court advantage against the Patriots.

The volleyball game may have over eight hundred packing into the stands to cheer on the Eagles.

“It’s nerve-racking but the positive energy from the crowd will overpower our nervousness and create excitement,” said Xanthos.

Having that big of a crowd could give the Eagles the motivation they need to win.

“I’m really excited because we don’t usually have a lot of people at our games,” said Money.

The celebration though, is about much more than winning the game.

“We give back to our community as a thank you for everything they do for us,” said Athletic Director Shane Lewis.

The Blue & Gold Celebration attracts people from all over the community, including students, parents, faculty, staff and alumni.

The event will have food trucks, a DJ, bounce houses and conclude with a huge fireworks show.

“It is a great opportunity for every grade to get together with their families and experience what PCDS is all about,” said Xanthos.