In this period of social distancing, it can be difficult to find a way to cultivate a sense of camaraderie. To bring the 10th grade closer together, the 10th grade student council created the Decagames, inspired by the new school-wide X-games.
Elwin announcing the competition for the day and explaining how the Decagames teams will be determined on September 10, 2021. (Photo by Ava Taylor)
The Decagames are a series of judged competitions between the sophomores, who are competing to win a prize at the end of the semester. They take place every Friday during Grade-Level meetings, and there is a new challenge planned for each day. The sophomore class was randomly divided into six different teams with cringeworthy names, including: Uncomfortable Cushions, Dull Scissors, Rusty Spoons, Lukewarm Spoon, Soggy Toast, and Shopping Carts with One Broken Wheel.
Sophomores waiting to randomly pick their team on September 10, 2021. (Photo by Ava Taylor)
“Initially, we had other team-building activities planned for the year, but we [thought] a 10th-Grade exclusive X Games would be a great way to incorporate our ideas with some competition,” said Elwin Futrell Shotts, the sophomore class president.
Arthur randomly picking his team on September 10, 2021. (Photo by Ava Taylor)
Last Friday was the first day of the Decagames. Everyone was divided into teams and the group that could produce three things that one person in the group liked to do that Elwin was not previously aware of won the first competition. Each answer was awarded a maximum of 2 points, which put the Dull Scissors in the lead with 6 points.
Going forward, “We have many activities and events planned for the Decagames, including small team games such as basketball or volleyball, trivia, Pictionary, Hangman, and many more,” said Elwin.
The 10th-grade student council hopes that these weekly games will foster a sense of community among the sophomores, despite the physical distance between them.
A few members of the Shopping Carts With One Broken Wheel team on September 10, 2021. (Photo by Ava Taylor)
Emily telling Elwin to even out the teams on September 10, 2021. (Photo by Ava Taylor)
Sophomores waiting for everyone to submit their answers on September 10, 2021. (Photo by Ava)
Mr. Po attacking the camera on September 10, 2021. (Photo by Ava Taylor)