AP classes are about to begin the annual boat race that sparks competition throughout the whole school. Every year after AP classes have taken their state AP tests, they can sign up for a boat regatta competition amongst each other. This year is the 4th annual competition and started as a fun way for AP students to finish off the year strong.
With only cardboard and duct tape, students work to creatively design a boat that will beat all of the other classes. Outside of school, the anticipation builds as students gather their boxes and wipe stores clean of all their duct tape.
Classes are not allowed to start building before the last of the AP tests are finished because that would allude to an unfair advantage for some teams. Once students are allowed to start building there is much competition that comes with these early stages. The competitive nature of these students is highlighted as they are working with teachers on designs, spying on classmate designs, and planning their best strategy to take home the title.
Students work on their boats getting the right shape, size, and floatation ratios to garner the perfect boat for the race. After working for about 2-2.5 weeks after their tests, they bring their creations to the WHS swimming pool to race them against the other AP classes.
To start, each class will race their classmates to see who is the winner of that specific AP class. For example, AP Bio students will race each other and the winner will move on to the second round representing that specific AP in front of the whole school. The winners of those rounds are then lined up to race against each other for the ultimate champion of the AP race.
Teams of 3 from each class present their boats, but only 1 student is allowed in the boat to do the actual race. Students are allowed to bring in kayak/canoe paddles to help propel themselves during the race and are required to wear a life vest during the competition. Their teammates are on both ends of the pool cheering on the person racing the boat to claim the title of AP boat regatta champion.
Over the years any class can come down to view the infamous competition in the pool and this event usually gets a lot of hype from students of all grade levels. From the 2022 race last year, Mr. C (previous principal) came down and commentated on the competition for those in attendance. Prizes for the winning team have varied from year to year, some consisting of trophies, goody bags, and most importantly bragging rights for the next year!
Last year’s competition winners were a controversial decision. The team that was about to win got their boat knocked over by a team that was already disqualified which allowed another class to win the final. The suggested winners of the race were both Mrs. Janice’s AP language class and Mrs. Alderman’s AP Spanish class.
After the winners are crowned, the students are all excited to jump into the pool and swim around with their friends for one last exhilarating moment with their classmates full of laughter and excitement. The high school even provides students from the lifeguarding class at WHS to guard the pool while the AP students are enjoying the water.
This boat race is something that students look forward to at the end of every year. AP student Shayna Danyo states, “The boat race is a fun way to relax but still enjoy class after AP exams are done. It’s super fun to just take some time to connect with friends and have a fun competition after a stressful year and stressful two weeks of testing.”
The annual boat race is something that AP students can participate in after a stressful and long year. Their hard work has paid off so now they can decompress a little and have some fun.
This year’s competition will be held on May 24th (half day) in the WHS swimming pool! Come cheer on your favorite boat and enjoy this memorable competition!
