Season 11 of Senior Survivor was packed with excitement and energy as the survivors competed to outwit, outplay, and outlast. With four survivors left on Friday morning, they eagerly tried to sell as many snacks as possible while waiting for the assembly later that day. Each survivor had high hopes of being crowned the next winner of season 11 Senior Survivor. It all came down to four seniors: Lauren Espy, Blayton Guy, Gabe Klemm, and Quinn VanderKamp.
Kevin Klassen, a math teacher and head of the fundraising committee in Survivor said, “Every year when Senior Survivor ends, I feel like the bar is set high and we may not beat the previous year’s total in future years.” West Ottawa set a new record this year, raising $43,997.45 to support the When In Need West Ottawa (WINWO) foundation.
“It just says a lot about the entire West Ottawa community, from our business sponsors to all the students, teachers, and families,” said Klassen. All of the money raised for WINWO is only made possible by the kind donations from businesses, support from students and teachers, and the survivors’ dedication. The survivors were ecstatic to hear how their hard work paid off in hopes of helping their fellow students and thrilled to learn who would be crowned champion.
Finally, as the assembly came near to an end, Assistant Principal Lindsay Cherry announced the winner. In an exciting conclusion to the 11th season of Senior Survivor, Blayton Guy emerged victorious after a long week of sleeping on the floor, hauling a cart of goodies to sell to students, and competing in grueling games. All his hard work paid off for Guy as he was handed the trophy. Many cheers and lots of excitement arose in the gym. Guy said, “It feels great, but it also feels very surreal. I have to keep reminding myself that I just won Survivor.” Guy raised $6,251.08, all going to the WINWO foundation.
To survive and to win in Senior Survivor, thoughtful and strategic play is crucial. “Build the hype, get everyone involved, have fun, and sell items people want at fair prices,” Guy said. These strategies worked as they led him to victory. Though Senior Survivor is a fun and unique experience, it is about more than just that. A group of twelve committed seniors came together to raise money for the students of WO, and that is what is most important.
