IB Academy Hosts First-Ever Field Day for Students

This last Friday, students enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Academy were able to escape from their academics and enjoy a day full of games and activities! The IB Advisory Board, – a student-run organization within our school – organized this event exclusively for IB students for the first time ever.

With the idea first introduced by seniors Natasha Chinea and Sofía Cejas, the pair believes it is beneficial to relieve the stress of members in the IB diploma program, who are known for the heavy workload and intense expectations they undergo throughout their high school years.

The games available were plenty and varied. Ms. Graham, the IB Academy’s lead teacher, disclosed to The Talon that the selection of the acts was carefully planned to minimize injuries. This led to the inclusion of low-intensity physical activities, such as sack races, jump-roping, pool noodle fights, balloon popping, and others. Activities such as tug-of-war were not considered this time, as the advisory board adduced it to unfair competition due to the strength level certain participants may have. The organizers also made sure that no activities involved fluids to reduce any inconvenience when cleaning up after the event.

Students were eager to participate in the games, and a friendly rivalry formed between the teams. 

“The pool noodle fight was very entertaining and challenging between teams. I feel it was more difficult than other games.” said Freshman Eliyah Vinas. Several other participants have also expressed their contentedness with the rest of the contests, with the relay race and the air donut throwing joining the pool noodle fight amongst the favorites of the crowd.

The lineup of teams was determined by the committee board as well. With teams named after six colors of the rainbow, they were composed of around 50 students each. Members of the teams were assigned different roles which they could choose in advance using the registration form that was shared with them. This resulted in an organized proceeding in which students could choose to participate in the physical games or to cheer for their team and hang out with their friends. Plus, a limited number of participants were allowed to partake in the assistance team, which ensured that the games were set up beforehand and that the event ran smoothly.

Meals were provided after the games. With delicious hot dogs and pizza, teachers and cafeteria staff who were assisting with the logistics of the event received hungry students who spent most of their time under the sun. Some students expected that partner vendors like Kona Ice – who have shown up in the past for events of this nature – would show up. However, the mid-day meal was completely hosted and provided by the school administration.

After students enjoyed their meal, they were welcomed into the auditorium, where Ms. Graham addressed the students. With the original intent of informing the attendees about the required IB Extended Essay; the schedule quickly changed as the student body repelled the lengthy presentation with booing and callouts. Mrs. Graham decided to spare the students of the oration of guidelines of the standardized assessment and skipped over to the awards presentation, which celebrated the efforts and teamwork skills of the teams that participated.

When the winner of the games was about to be presented, the unexpected occurred. Both the green and purple teams were tied. A tiebreaker was offered but the coaches concluded that it was better if both teams accepted the award together. This made both teams celebrate their accomplishment on stage.

IB students recall the event as successful. Having spent the whole day taking a break from everyday activities, sophomore Ryan Truong describes this day as an experience in which the students who organize the activities empathize with their peers, as the advisory board members who organized the event have “an idea on what can be enjoyed by other students”.

However, some controversy has also been raised between participants who believe the event should not have been uniquely for IB students. Freshmen Emanuel Riesgo and Hillary Hernandez believe the logistics and planning of the event overall is unfair, as they express that all students have challenging classes, and that opening up these sorts of events would bring more inclusion to the student body.

On the other hand, sophomores Sebastian Canales and Daniel Rodriguez told The Talon: “It would be better if each academy plans their own (activities)”, expressing how every academy has their own level of workload and emphasizing how events like these could become unenjoyable and overwhelming if all students across our school were to attend. 

Overall, the event raised the morale of academy members who have felt exhausted with recent endeavors, such as IB seniors who are currently completing their college applications. 

Though there is no indication whether or not the event will return next year, IB students are already anticipating the next. Graham, alongside Chinea and Cejas, have confirmed that more events for IB students are in the works, including field trips and senior days off!