A trend is building among IHSA member high schools during the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine known as Lights for the Fight.
Schools are turning on their athletic field lights from 8:00 PM to 8:20 PM each Friday night throughout the quarantine as a sign of support for their senior students, as well as for all the healthcare workers, first responders, and all other essential workers on the frontlines of the pandemic.
Many states and high schools around the country have organized various initiatives involving school lights. 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.
A reminder that due to the statewide quarantine measures, no one should gather at the school or fields while the lights are illuminated, the gesture is simply a sign of support.
Participating schools are encouraged share photos and videos on social media along with the hashtag #LightsForTheFight
Last Friday evening we invited area High Schools, Colleges, and Professional Sports Teams to flip the switch and light up their stadiums in support of first responders, healthcare professionals and all essential workers. Also, as a sign of hope the sports we love return soon. pic.twitter.com/xfUQrSDI9u
— Mount Carmel H.S. (@MountCarmelHS) April 14, 2020
St. Rita is behind you Chicago! #LightsForTheFight pic.twitter.com/oU6rLCtst3
— St. Rita Football (@StRitaFootball) April 11, 2020