John Jay’s Winter Carnival Brings Fun and Fundraising to the Community

Last weekend, John Jay Senior High School hosted its annual Winter carnival, an event that gives school clubs the opportunity to gain visibility and raise funds. Each club set up unique booths featuring fun and engaging games for children from elementary schools around the district to participate in.

The carnival featured a variety of booths, including those run by different class years. The Class of 2026 hosted laser tag in the cafeteria and a fish bowl toss, while the Class of 2027 operated three booths: temporary tattoos, whack-a-mole—which turned into “whack-a-Shek” when Class President Abhishek Thomas participated as the mole—and axe throwing. The Class of 2028 ran a mystery box booth and a cup-stacking race.

In addition to club booths, several honor societies participated in the event. The Computer Science Honor Society set up a Plinko board and a “Find the Duck” game. Tri-M Music Honor Society featured a floor piano and musical chairs, while the French Honor Society ran a ring toss game.

Some booths focused on physical activities. The Model UN booth offered FIFA gameplay, Lightkeepers set up an Angry Birds game, and Best Buddies challenged attendees to basketball shots. Science Olympiad featured the Proton Toss, and Math Honor Society ran bowling and target blasters. The Health and Medicine Club had the board game Operation at their booth, while Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) hosted a traditional knock-over-the-cans carnival game.

Many booths maintained a classic carnival theme with games and prizes. The Debate Club ran “Basketball Madness,” where participants competed for the high score. The History Honor Society hosted a ring toss, while both the Stock Club and Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) featured cornhole. The Black Student Union engaged attendees with a “Three in a Row” game.

Several booths offered custom art projects. Model UN provided sand art, the Book Club allowed visitors to create custom bookmarks, and Elysium designed custom buttons. Amnesty International offered ornament decorating, Link Crew made custom bracelets, and the Interact Club did face painting.

Some clubs sold experiences instead of physical prizes. The Proscenium Club featured a “Meet The Princesses and Princes” event. The Robotics Club let attendees drive their robots and visit the planetarium. The Health and Medicine Club offered a stuffed animal check-up, Jay Racing provided access to a driving simulator, and SADD ran a snowman photo booth.

Food booths added to the carnival atmosphere, with the Chess club selling hot chocolate, Amnesty International offering custom cupcakes, and Model UN serving nachos and snow cones. FBLA sold popcorn and cotton candy, while the National Honor Society operated a “Make Your Own Lemonade” stand. The Student Government had the widest selection, selling water, candy, pizza, and chips.

A few standout booths drew large crowds. The Future Farmers of America booth featured mini golf and a petting zoo with cows, bunnies, guinea pigs, and a bearded dragon. The Student Government booth included a bounce house, the National Honor Society ran a human slot machine, and the Science Olympiad booth sold balloon animals and glitter slime.

Beyond the fun, the Winter Carnival serves a greater purpose. All proceeds go directly back to the participating clubs, honor societies, and classes, helping to enhance the student experience and support future initiatives.