BY DAISUN SANTANA II
Saint Ignatius High School just concluded one of the most anticipated events of the year: Languages Week. This celebration featured language-themed activities and one of our most famous traditions: the chariot races. The week opened with the Arabic and Lebanese community on campus, who organized a fundraiser to support Saint Ignatius High School’s partner school in Lebanon.
After that came an iconic tradition in Saint Ignatius history: the chariot races. These races began thirty years ago, in 1996, as a tribute to the classic film Ben-Hur. They have since aged well, remaining a tradition that students still love today. Accompanied by delicious hot dogs that students grilled, the chariot races were nothing short of spectacular chaos and pure ludicrousness. Makeshift chariots swooshed through the mall; some swiftly cruised to victory while others were completely discombobulated by the laws of motion.
“Chariot races are always one of the best times of the year,” says junior Hunter Zebrak, the proud champion. “The hot dogs, the crowd, and the crashes; this year I won the whole thing, making it a memorable experience.” Zebrak adds, “My partner Owen Hill ’27 and I made a pact that we will win throughout our years at Ignatius. This year was my redemption year by taking home the victory.”
Following the races, proud students participated in a parodic variation for French Day, dubbed the Mini Tour de France. This included high schoolers riding comically tiny tricycles around the mall. Afterward, the community came together to embrace their cultures within a giant food extravaganza that featured a smorgasbord of delicious dishes. Finally, the week ended with a gyro-eating competition. This week was truly one for the ages, and students are already eager for what is coming next.
