THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME FOR THE GROFF GATORS!

For students at Groff Elementary School in Moses Lake, Washington, this year’s return to school was about much more than new teachers, new classrooms, and fresh school supplies; it was a long-awaited homecoming!

For the past two years, Groff Elementary students, also known as the Groff Gators, have been housed at schools throughout the Moses Lake School District while their school underwent extensive repairs. This fall, the Gators finally returned to their own school, and such a special homecoming called for a celebration.

And what better way to say, “Welcome Home!” than with a down-home country barbecue and, of course, plenty of Washington potatoes!

Washington State Potato Commissioner and local potato grower Damon Christensen fired up the grill, flipping and serving hamburgers and hot dogs to students and their families. The Washington State Potato Commission (WSPC) was happy to join the celebration and brought along something no Gator homecoming should be without, hot, crispy crinkle-cut fries!

Sunshine, laughter, and the smell of a great barbecue filled the school grounds as students met their new teachers, explored their classrooms, tested out the playground equipment, and enjoyed their first meal back at Groff Elementary.

After two years away, there was something extra special about seeing the Groff Gators back home. WSPC was delighted to help celebrate the occasion with good food, great company, and one of Washington’s favorite foods, potatoes!

Here’s to new classrooms, new adventures, plenty of smiles, and a fantastic school year.

Welcome home,Groff Gators!