Helicopter Candy Drop Highlights Glendale Prep Homecoming

Glendale Prep’s Homecoming Game brought a unique halftime feature this year: a helicopter candy drop that sent hundreds of students and families onto the field in search of treats.

During halftime, a Western Sky Helicopters chopper hovered over the Glendale Prep field, releasing 600 small bags filled with candy. Each bag also included a QR code linking to the school’s Arizona Public School Tax Credit program, which allows families to support extracurricular activities while receiving a dollar-for-dollar state tax credit.

Superintendent Brandon Crowe of Great Hearts Arizona attended the game, cheering alongside students and families as the Griffins faced Heritage Academy. “It’s really exciting,” Crowe said from the sidelines.

The Glendale Prep Cheer Squad performed just before the drop, and the crowd turned its attention to the sky as the helicopter approached. Once the all-clear was given, children rushed onto the field to collect the treats.

Each bag contained a QR code, linking directly to the academy’s Arizona Public School Tax Credit program. “The tax credit helps our school fund athletics, field trips, extracurricular activities, and clubs,” said Tammy Kempton, Family Giving Officer. “It supports our programs and keeps costs down for families.”

This marks the second time Glendale Prep has hosted a helicopter candy drop. The first occurred last season during the debut of the school’s new field lights, though weather conditions forced a change in timing.

The Griffins closed the night with a win, capping off a homecoming event that combined school spirit with a creative way to promote community support.

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