On Feb. 20, students, teachers, mentors, and parents came together for a day full of swimming with new friends, smiling and laughing, and cheering others on. This event, known as Adaptive Aquatics, was held right here in Tennessee High School’s pool.

“This year was the biggest one. We had eleven schools from the region,” Coach Brad Stubbs said. 

For 15 years, Tenn. High has hosted Adaptive Aquatics, an event designed to include students of all ages and abilities. With a day full of being in the pool and ending with a pizza party, it’s an event for a great cause. 

“We wanted to find a way that could bring kids together from multiple schools in the region, have fun, and give those kids a chance to compete with something a lot of them don’t have the opportunity to always do,” Stubbs said. 

Freshman Baylee Marshall explained her favorite part of Adaptive Aquatics was when “we got in the pool, because the pool is [her] favorite.” 

Alongside having fun with current friends, Adaptive Aquatics gives the opportunity to foster new friendships. 

One of the biggest factors in running this event are the students who sign up to help as peer tutors and lifeguards. Considering anyone can volunteer, a wide variety of people come together to both make this event possible and enjoyable. 

  “The interactions that are made, the friends that are made create life long friendships,” Stubbs said. “It facilitates and encourages interactions amongst the whole student body, and that’s probably my favorite aspect of it.”

Overall, the event was a success, and all the students cannot wait for future years. As all the schools come together, it gives the community an opportunity to grow together and create lasting memories. 

“I thought it was fun. I love it whenever all the schools get together and do that, because everyone’s friends with each other,” junior Jasmine Jones said.