Jake's Turn

 Nick never did it.

But, Ben did, and then a year later was  Abbi's turn.

And now, two years later, finally came Jacob's turn.

What is  it?

The Junior Carnival!

Every year, in the month of November, the junior class takes on an enormous task that tests their leadership, cooperation, and building skills.

It begins the year before, when as sophomores, they 

clean up after the festivities.

A theme is discussed, tossed around, and eventually voted upon. This theme is a matter of extreme secrecy. Jacob's class voted to make their junior carnival theme State Fair.

The entrance to this year's Junior Carnival.

With just a class sponsor and some additional adult support, they plan, design, advertise, build, and carry out a carnival like event with games, activities, and food. Where else in Taiwan could you buy cotton candy, caramel apples, and a funnel cake?

Can you find Jake?

I can say with great confidence it is by far the highlight for most of the elementary students. The great thing is the evening is open to the community as well. Families and students from the surrounding community come to taste some American food and experience a window into American culture.

Juniors get all day Friday to set up and prepare which only adds to the elementary students' excitement.

Which is great, because the more attendees, the merrier and, more importantly, the greater the profit. With the earnings, the class will treat the senior class with a Junior Senior Banquet, buy a gift for the graduating seniors, finance their own senior trip, and give a gift to the school upon their own graduation. That's a lot of motivation to make their carnival the best that it can be!

Game booths provide fun for all ages.

Some of my students enjoy a rickshaw ride through the State Fair.

I had to find alternate routes to our various specials. If my students had seen this......

To hype up the event, as well as announce the theme, a video is usually written, directed and produced by a group of juniors. Jacob thought he would be a part of that, but when he was tapped to lead the group designing, building, and carrying out the popular haunted house, he changed his focus from tech to good old fashion hammer and nails.

An older house on the darker side of campus thought often to be haunted by many students provided the perfect avenue to "build" a haunted house. Once again, totally student lead, they dug in and spent hours planning and creating. Carl provided expertise in the tool area, as well as keeping an eye on safety.

Jake's team took their project to the next level by creating a younger kid "not too scary" version. They spent many weekends and after school hours perfecting their contribution.

On the evening of the carnival, I was up to my elbows in caramel apples so I didn't get to experience the finished project, but I heard that between 200 and 300 people screamed their way through the darkest house on the campus. As a mom, I was proud of Jacob taking on such a huge challenge.

A zip line and obstacle course tested their bravery and fitness.

Keeping to the theme, a pie contest was held.

In the past five junior carnivals, fireworks have been the finale to the evening. This year was no different.

A huge crane held up this fireworks sign. It stayed lit for several minutes.

This was probably the best fireworks display I have seen here in Taiwan. That's saying a lot since fireworks are extremely popular and not regulated to one holiday. 

I was so tired by 9pm after teaching all day and standing at a food booth all evening, I almost went home. If I had I would have missed one of the best parts of this year's Junior Carnival!

Awesome Fireworks Display


While I am sad that Nick never got to be part of this experience, I am glad that Ben, Abbi, and Jake did. Not all learning is confined to a classroom. 

Disclaimer: My phone battery died early in the evening, so I "borrowed" most of these pictures from FB friends.If a picture looks familiar to you- THANK YOU!