The 2017-2018 school year has brought about many changes to Adams High School. One of the bigger more noticeable changes included a new administration, but this is not the only change people have noticed. Things like football games, exam protocols, and passing times have all been altered this year. However, these are all secondary to a change that is all the rave: ping pong tables.

Near the beginning of the school year, a senior’s daily routine included standing in the middle of the senior bank and talking to friends between classes. These students would have been shocked to find their stomping grounds had been occupied. Seniors, sophomores, juniors, and freshmen now crowd around to use and view the newest edition to Adams: two brand new ping pong tables. Students crowd around these tables in between every class to watch the next rivalry duo duel it out with a paddle and a celluloid ball for an intense six minutes.

Why are these tables such a hit among students? One of the reasons is because it is a nice stress reliever for students. Having six one hour-long time blocks is hard to manage and makes it hard to keep a clear head.

“Being able to play a fun game and just get my mind off assignments helps me a lot in my day,” said senior Oliver Larroquette.

Giving students a place where they can decompress and take a mental breather during their stressful days is something the implementation of these tables has done.

Not only does having ping pong tables increase energy and decrease stress levels of kids at Adams, but it also keeps students occupied.

“I would so much rather play ping pong than do anything else. I see kids from all different friend groups and interests playing and enjoying themselves too,” said freshman Maverick Falconer.

Students who would otherwise be causing trouble are being occupied and having fun by playing and watching ping pong between classes. This activity also seems to be unifying friend groups of all ages and hobbies due to a common interest.

With budgeting issues in schools and hard-to-please teenagers, coming up with something that will bring students together and allow for better academic performance seems impossible. Something so seemingly unattainable would leave most administrators scratching their heads, but it seems Adams administration has found the solution.