Each year in March, spring brings with it the stress of proficiency testing, and high school and college admissions have just about everyone on edge.  To help students relieve the stress that, around HEAF, has come to be called Academic Spring Fever (ASF), HEAF introduced March Madness.

Every March, the staff coordinates four spontaneous afternoons of Pop Up Events. This year, March Madness kicked off with a “Wipeout”-esque challenge, based on the hilarious TV game show that tests the physical limits of its contestants. Of course, HEAF’s iteration of “Wipeout” is a much more low-key affair with students participating in hula hoop challenges, beanbag competitions and obstacle courses.

Students use the remaining March Madness Pop Up Events to sharpen their wits with the Trivia Day competition, which include categories such as music, movies, literature and history. While Trivia Day is similar to Jeopardy, there is more than one winner during each game. The students with the top five scores win a pair of movie tickets to any age-appropriate film of their choosing.

Chanaye Jackson, staff member and co-coordinator of March Madness, says “it’s a great way for the kids to de-stress and remain focused during March since there aren’t any breaks on the calendar. They never know which days will be the Pop Up Event days, so it’s a lot of fun to surprise them and see how excited they are.”

All HEAF students competed and 8 students won throughout the month-long competition. While nothing can change the challenges students confront throughout the month, it is clear that March Madness is a welcome distraction.

 “March Madness is insane!  Now that the weather is nice, we want to be outside with our friends. HEAF has made learning fun,” says Cecil Brooks.