Battle of the classes or better known as BOTC is when Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors select 6 girls and 6 boys to represent their classes. These groups then compete through various competitions throughout the week, gaining points. Finally, on “BOTC night” the groups have their final challenges where the winner is revealed.
Battle of the Classes can be very stressful but also very fun and rewarding; let’s take a look at a Junior representative for BOTC AnaBella Taylor and ask her about her thoughts on this year’s BOTC:
How long have you been participating in BOTC?
“This will be my second year participating in Battle of the classes”
What do you feel about the themes and competitions for this year?
“I really like the themes and competitions this year, I feel like it allowed us to be way more creative with our dances, decorations, and costumes.”
How do you feel about the new voting policies regarding BOTC?
“Honestly, I don’t think it was properly thought out. While I am glad it includes more people, I don’t think the teachers thought everything out. Battle of the classes is very stressful, and we need to prepare a lot of things, and adding more people makes it harder to communicate.”
How prepared do you think the Junior class is for this year?
“I think this year we are very prepared. We have stressed getting things done and out of the way beforehand and making sure everyone shows up to practice and are doing their part for the class to win”
What are you doing differently now that this is your second year participating in BOTC?
“This year, I am more focused on having more fun, not stressing out about every little thing, but also being more competitive and wanting to win for our class”
Many look at BOTC as a frenzy for drama, what’s your take on that view?
“Honestly, while I do practicate in BOTC, I can see why people may think that. Every group wants to be competitive and win, but more times than not, it causes drama between all the groups that don’t need to be needed. I think every group and class should focus on themselves and stop trying to cause unnecessary drama. Not only does it make everything more stressful but it also makes everyone uncomfortable, especially the people who are getting singled out in the drama. I don’t like bullying, and I don’t think anyone should bring anyone down for any reason.”
Would you say BOTC is stressful?
“Yes and no. While I do think the beginning of making the costumes, dance and brainstorming is stressful. Once the group knows and understands what we are doing, it becomes significantly less stressful. But I also think everyone has to pull their weight for it to be like that.”
For incoming freshmen, do you recommend joining?
“I highly recommend joining, especially freshman year! You want to explore and try as many new things as possible, and while it is stressful, I’ve gotten so many great memories and experiences from BOTC”
What are your hopes for this year’s BOTC regarding the Junior class?
“This year we really worked hard and put in hours of practice so I really want us to beat the seniors and do really well in the competitions on BOTC night.”
