Team-building was the goal as Wantagh Middle School hosted a series of competitive events for eighth graders on Nov. 22 and 24. Students were divided into two teams, Skittles and Starburst, and could earn points in different challenges.

The Eighth Grade Olympics began with a Wantagh trivia contest. From there, students rotated through different events. There were popular party games like charades, cornhole, Kan Jam and giant Jenga. 

While wearing a blindfold, students had to draw a picture well enough so their teammates could guess what it was. In jelly bean challenge, each participant had to transfer jelly beans from one cup to another, using only chopsticks. There was also a paper airplane contest and guess that TikTok song for today’s tech-savvy generation. The fun ended with a guess that teacher Kahoot game and closing ceremonies.

The activities were coordinated by teachers Christen Bellucci and Victoria Hargreaves and the purpose was to get eighth graders working together to successfully complete these different challenges. Students learned the value of collaboration and communication, skills that can help them be successful in all of their endeavors.