Amanda Booth

The schedule for the first ever Ice Games competition, which will be hosted on Monday, December 18.

This afternoon, Hayes will be hosting their first ever Ice Games competition.
Deans of each house created a new half-day event right before winter break for students to converse and play in events.
“I think it is a great idea that can add some excitement to House right before winter break,” Fairview dean Adam Vincenzo said. “Anytime you try something new, there may be some learning curves, but I am optimistic that Ice Games is going to be a hit.”
Gaining inspiration from House Games, Ice Games will present differences as a partial day event.
“Just like on House games, people who are in House can come and watch,” Fairview dean Riley Jantz said.
Currently, the House leaderboard has Prospect Hill in first place, Ridge in second place and Steamtown in third.
House’s mission is to give students a new opportunity to feel a part of the school community.
“I think it’s important to the overall culture of the building,” Jantz said. “Which I think can contribute to feeling a sense of belonging; feeling like you’re seen in the building.”
Events include games ranging from unathletic to athletic, like Name That Tune, Mario Kart, capture the flag and snowball volleyball.
Ice Games will also incorporate winter-based challenges; a snowman building contest and a gingerbread house decorating challenge.
Other competitions include Wits and Wagers, In The Know, bowling, chess, a STEM challenge and Minute to Win It.
Eric Gitson, a member of the Steamtown House, is preparing for the STEM challenge and the In The Know quiz bowl.
“I am excited for Ice Games and I think House Games this year will be competitive but fun,” Gitson said. “[Ice Games is] a good chance for one of the other Houses to try and take down Steamtown.”
Because this is Hayes’ first Ice Games, some said that there is still a lot to improve on.
“You know, being the first time that we’re doing this, I think we’re going to have to evaluate whether or not it makes sense to do before exams or not,” Jantz said.
Some students are also questioning the purpose of the games.
“I feel like the Ice Games are kind of pointless,” sophomore June Buerger said. “Just let us go home.”
However, students like senior Anna Lippincott said that the organizers of Ice Games should be given some slack.
“I think for right now, teachers should just keep doing what they’re doing because this is their first time with ice games too,” Lippincott said.
The goals of Ice Games are to allow students to get their minds off of final exams, to get excited about the House competition, and to give students the chance to engage with people that they haven’t met before.
“Most people have friends in House that they never would have met otherwise,” Gitson said. “The friendly competition and bonding is great for school spirit.”
Students and teachers alike are sliding into Ice Games with hope for the new event.
“I am most excited about the gingerbread House competition,” sophomore Alex Wooten said. “I think it’s fun to have new winter-themed games.”