For the 13th year in a row, the Battle of Brookfield brought the community together once again. Initially, the event was started as a way to support Emily Oberst (‘16) in her fight against Ewing sarcoma after being diagnosed in middle school. Now, the tradition continues to support community members like Oberst by attending the football game, purchasing a T-Shirt, and donating to organizations like The MACC Fund and Children’s Miracle Network. In her interview with TMJ4 News, she said, “Seeing that same spirit continue today means everything.” 

Emily Oberst competed in the 2024 Paralympics hosted in Paris, France, on behalf of Team USA in Wheelchair Basketball. With her team, she brought home a silver medal; however, it wasn’t her first time earning a medal: in 2023, she played in the ParaPan American Games. That same year, she won a bronze medal at the World Championships in Dubai. Oberst is an inspiration on and off the court; at the Gold Out game, she shared her journey with childhood cancer and how Brookfield’s encouragement shaped her as a person and an athlete. Her message resonated with students and families, emphasizing the impact of community support. 

Every year, this question arises: “How can we make this year’s Gold Out even better than last year’s?” 

With that challenge in mind, our Key Club set out to elevate our impact and school spirit in collaboration with Brookfield East. 

Under Mr. Blaha and Mrs. Sprangers’s guidance, our Key Club’s Executive Board worked together to make the event a success. The Gold Out Game is notorious for having a different “gold” T-shirt each year with the same tag line: “We Fight Togethe.r” This year, Krisha Pakala (‘26) took her creativity to the next level by designing the shirt this year. These shirts were sold at BC and BE during lunches and during the football game, raising over $1000. Together, BC Key Club arrived at East early on Friday evening to decorate the stands with gold balloons, streamers, and ribbons. 

Key Club wasn’t the only student organization that contributed to the event’s success. The Lancerettes not only impressed the crowd with their talent, but they also organized a “Miracle Minute” in partnership with the Spartanettes after their halftime performance to collect donations.

Although the score wasn’t what the Lancers expected, it was clear that the Gold Out is more than just a football game. It’s a celebration of our unity, resilience, and the strength of our community when we come together.