FCHS Battle of the Classes

What's it all about

Forest City Battle of the Classes, affectionately known simply as BOTC, is an annual event held each March. It is an epic battle of class vs class in a variety of contests, events, games and craziness that all revolve around a theme. The theme changes each year, but the fun does not! The idea originated with a group of staff members (Paula Rotta, Craig VanSyoc, Murray Anderson and Dan Sarasio Meyer) who modeled the concept off of a similar event held at Algona High School. These staff members visited Algona, came back and created a vision for what our version would look like.

The main goals of Battle of the Classes are to build an inclusive and positive environment where all students are able to participate in fun activities, to build relationships with their peers, and practice problem solving skills in creative events planned by the staff in a fun, competitive, and low stress environment.

BOTC got its start in 2002, Initially called "March Madness". In 2004, the name "Battle of the Classes" was added to "March Madness". It continued to be called March Madness/Battle of the Classes until 2007 when "March Madness" dropped and it officially became simply "Battle of the Classes" (BOTC).

Classes with multiple wins:

3 Wins

2009- Soph, Junior, Senior

2 Wins

2025- Soph, Junior
2018- Senior, Junior
2015- Senior, Junior
2012- Senior, Junior

Memories, Favorites, and Thoughts about BOTC from alumni:

"The baking competition! Overall the best thing about botc was that there were activities for any student to participate in." ~ Hillary Albertson (2010)

"Class of 2009 winning three years!! 😄 The spring break theme was a lot of fun!" ~ Molly Oleson Uhlenhopp (2009)

"One of my favorite things was the skits by the teachers!" ~ Wendy Cobb Meints (2006)

"I remember the challenge to get your class across the gym without touching the floor, and making the outline of United States while linking hands as a class. I remember more of the whole class games" ~ Sherri Stitz Danner (2006)

"Watching Tyler Johnson squirt milk through his eye. Joe (sorry forgot the last name) cut his long hair. Playing a trash can drum circle with Noah Eggebraaten. And basically tricking everyone into voting for a metal band and our band name to represent our class: Napalm Death. Pretty sure the parents and admin and a few of my classmates were not thrilled about that…And getting to whoop everyone in dodgeball. " ~ Noah Parks (2005)

"The lip syncs, seeing people totally come out of their shell, sticking your hand in an ice jug and seeing how much change you could pick up, seeing Staudt's spreadsheet, I’m almost positive I have the FCTV “Highlight Video” at my parents from 2003" ~ Chris Fitzgerald (2003)

"I loved botc. I tried to get my school to do it, but with it being a big school, that could be hard. The preparation for our lip sync dance and performing was great. Dressing up as "opposites" was a hoot too. Please, never stop botc! Some of the best memories I have from high school!" ~ Katie Llerena (2010)

"The obstacle course in the wrestling room! The class banners! And the overall absolute goofiness" ~ Seth Strand (2011)

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