Last month, freshmen raced through the halls of Townsend Harris to solve riddles and compete for clues during the annual Freshman Scavenger Hunt, organized by the Freshmen Grade Leaders (FGL). 

The Freshman Scavenger Hunt allows freshmen to spend time together and engage in friendly competition, while exploring the school and taking on challenges.

The scavenger hunt began in the cafeteria, where teams received the rules of the event. To win the $25 Visa gift card, teams competed at stations to receive clues that led them to their next location. Stations included trivia, Jenga, an egg-spoon race, karaoke, Just Dance, Hide-and-Seek, Tug-of-War, search for hidden FGL members and Musical Chairs.

Co-Freshmen-Sophomore Class President Siddhini Singh said, “Planning an event at this scale is a lot of work, especially for freshmen, and making sure everyone knew what to do was important. Nonetheless, we were able to come through.”

Guidance counselor Anthony Santos, who assisted the freshmen grade leaders in organizing the event, said he was impressed, and applauded the Freshman Grade Leaders because of their communication, planning and ability to run the event smoothly. 

He said, “as a counselor for five freshman classes, it was very nice to see a lot of my students at the scavenger hunt. It was a good way for me as a counselor to interact with them, and also just to see people socialize.”

Freshman grade leader Derrick Lin said that the event “gives people a chance to be included and meet new people while doing so.” 

Similarly, freshman grade leader Nora Elsaway said, “[The freshmen scavenger hunt is] a great way for freshmen to know each other and puts a sense of friendly competitiveness.”

As the scavenger hunt began, the competitive energy between participants was present during activities like Musical Chairs and Just Dance. Freshman Namira Khan said, “An intense moment for us was our first station, musical chairs. The energy was so chaotic and everyone was so focused on getting a chair.” 

Freshman Gabriella Baia said she enjoyed scavenger hunt because “I [was] with my friends, and it [was like] a free hangout.” 

Similarly, freshman Violet Bierbauer shared how she saw sentimental value within the event. She said, “I think it’s important because it gives ninth graders a chance to bond and meet new people.” 

The Freshman Scavenger Hunt ended with pizza in the cafeteria, concluding the freshman grade leaders’ months of planning. Siddhini described the event as a crucial part of the freshman experience. 

She said, “It brings people together in competition and allows for some after school fun.”