Knightly News

Middle School students tossed bean bags, raced across campus in search of historical markers and answered trivia questions with excitement. The fourth annual Middle School Olympics did not disappoint. “MS Olympics is one of my favorite things about middle school,” says eighth grader Julia Whitney. “Working together as a team and having some friendly competition is what makes it so much fun! I always look forward to playing in the next game!”

This year’s competition featured an exciting new contest to help students learn more about the history of their school. The Middle School Olympics Scavenger Hunt tasked teams with locating 10 historical locations on campus. Featured locations included a historical marker commemorating the original site and land donors, the Annslee Phillips signature on a basketball court and a football honoring 1997 alumnus Jimmy Willams’ Super Bowl appearance. Middle School Division Head Mark Engstrom says teams raced to be the first to each spot to collect the highest points possible. He says the goal was to get students in touch with Episcopal’s roots. “I wanted them to have fun and notice some parts of campus that are very special and important to people,” says Engstrom.

Introduced four years ago, the Middle School Olympics has quickly become a beloved tradition among students. “When I think about Middle School Olympics I think about the bonding I get with my classmates while doing the challenges, and seeing the hidden talents you didn’t know people that you see everyday have,” says eighth grader Brice Waters. As students compete in events such as connections, tug of words, tilt-a-cup and scoop it up, there is ample opportunity to work as a team and showcase those hidden talents.

When the Middle School Olympics began, life on campus and in the world was different. Engstrom remembers feeling like there wasn’t much joy as students and faculty struggled through a pandemic school year. He wanted to bring back the joy of learning and being at school, so he and the team established the Middle School Olympics. Four years later, the tradition continues to have a positive impact on Middle School student life. Hopefully, the competition will continue to spark joy for years to come.

Congratulations to this year’s Middle School Olympics winners - Stickle's Pickles!

The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 2025-2026 application is now available! ​For more information on the application process, to schedule a tour, or learn more about the private school, contact us at [email protected] or 225-755-2685.