Earlier this month, 8th grade advisors surveyed their students to ask for their voices in continuing to build a strong community. Feedback was unanimous in two areas: advisory competitions and connecting with other students. Our students shared what they are looking for during this unique school year clear—and their advisors answered that request!
On Wednesday, 8th Grade World History Teacher Chris Militello redesigned last year’s Paper Airplanes Advisory Competition to fit this year’s social distance health and safety guidelines. Students created their airplane masterpieces in advisory or during lunch before heading for the MAC for the official competition emceed by English Teacher Andy Kay.
First, each of the 13 advisories competed amongst themselves in a preliminary round to determine their two top winners. They took turns going up to the MAC balcony to test their airplanes. Then, the 26 finalists competed in the finals for two categories: Most Distance (the furthest flyer) and Acrobatics (the plane that stays aloft the longest).
Congratulations to Thabo Schultz ’25 and Ollie Ashman ’25 for being crowned the winners of the 2021 Paper Airplane Advisory Competition! Ashman said, «It was a thrilling experience…a great break from our normal school day.» As winners, their advisories will share the OctiRam.
What’s the OctiRam? It is a used participation trophy from the 80s era and has clay molded around the top part in the shape of a Ram that is holding a globe in the air. As described by Mr. Kay, «For decades, the OctiRam has represented the best of the spirit of our 8th grade community. Created by students some years ago, it has survived the test of time and is given throughout each school year as a prize for winning various advisory competitions. Those competitions are as diverse as our students and faculty, ranging from feats of intellectual strength to triumphant winners of zany trivia battles.»
For those who were remotely learning, they were able to watch the competition via Zoom. «How nice it was to have all 8th graders in one place!» said Militello.
We look forward to sharing more ways that advisories are listening to student voices and promoting creative opportunities for connection and friendly competition this winter and spring!