School news

The seniors rocked it in East Rockaway

School’s 79th annual Rock Rivalry competition held last weekend

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Photos by Tim Baker

Trying to explain Rock Rivalry to someone outside of East Rockaway High School is almost impossible. There are so many elements to the competition that even explaining it to the best of my ability wouldn't even compare to the reality of it all.
Rock Rivalry takes place from January through March and consists of sleepless nights and hard work. Students from classes nine through 12 compete to win one thing ... the Cup! First there’s a volleyball tournament among the classes. This year there is a new component called a quiz bowl. Teams are made up from each class and were asked various questions from all different kinds of categories including academic based questions.
After that, Sports Night takes place where the classes compete in many different physical activities such as human bowling, tug of war, adventure walk, cage volleyball, pie eating and much more.

The next component is putting together a 30-minute play where the students must write a script, make costumes, choreograph dances, compose music for the classes band to play, and make props to complete the scenes. The students built stands that were required to be at least 12 feet tall, as well as paint a mural and a backdrop to reflect the themes and storyline of the skits.
After all of the hard work the classes perform three times, and the final performance is judged by five alumnae. That night the winning class receives the Cup and keeps it for the entire weekend.
Rock Rivalry teaches life lessons and brings the grades together as a family. I’ve never felt so close with my classmates, and winning the cup last weekend will definitely be unforgettable! 
The author is a senior at East Rockaway High School and a Herald intern through the school’s Senior Seminar Program.