This year marked the fourth Cog Carnival founded by former Coginchaug science teacher Mrs. Francis. Mrs. Francis’ legacy is carried on by a committee comprised of Mrs. Fisher, Mrs. Mann, Ms. Suchy, and a group of students. This schoolwide event kicks off the beginning of the school year and helps to create a sense of community among students and staff.

This year, the day started with a variety of outdoor and indoor activities which students selected during advisory. Popular activities included resin suncatchers, alcohol ink coasters, cornhole, pickleball, and bingo.

Next, students gathered outside for lunch and the carnival festivities. Included in these were four inflatables: Hungry Hungry Hippos, jousting, axe throwing, and an obstacle course run by the National Guard.

Airbrush tattoos, face painting, and a dunk the teacher tank were also available activities. The tattoos and dunk a teacher station were the most popular activities. Students really enjoyed drenching Mr. Fisher and Mr. Shoudy!

A highlight of the afternoon was the tug of war battles run by physical education teachers, Mr. Brady and Mr. Olmedo.

Each advisory class competed against other classes in their grade, and the winners of each grade moved on to the final round to determine the tug of war champion. Unfortunately, no one was crowned this year, as the rope broke during the seniors versus freshmen battle.

After the tug of war, Mr. Donecker and Ms. Trainer organized a complete school picture, which marked the end of the carnival. This year’s photo was not just any photo. It captured a full circle moment.

This year’s senior class was the first ever class to participate in the carnival all four years of their CRHS experience. When Principal Stone was asked,  “What are your feelings on the fourth annual carnival?” She replied, “This is my favorite day of the year, other than graduation day. This year particularly, everyone has been fantastic.”

Here’s what students had to say about this fun event:

“Today, I went to the Barbie station, the jewelry bead station and the resin suncatchers station. The jewelry bead station was my favorite because I got to be in the same class as Ms. Kulin. Outside I am looking forward to fighting Anna on the jousting thing, because it will be really funny when I beat her.” – Aurora Kobus, Sophomore

“I went to Nailed It Barbie, alcohol ink coasters and bracelet bead making. My favorite was definitely Nailed It Barbie, because it was really fun to do with Kiara. I am looking forward to the tug of war today. My class is going to win!” – Anna Meisenkothen, Sophomore

“I love the ring a duck and tug of war which is one of my favorites. This morning I liked all of my stations but the Resin coasters were really fun.” – Gabby Tammaro, Junior

“I am excited to hang out with everyone in the school and for the food.” – Dylan Montemurro, Junior

This year’s Cog Carnival was a fantastic event that gave Cogninchaug students a fun opportunity to create lasting memories and make new friends. Thank you to everyone who participated in making Cog Carnival the stupendous event that it is!