Nov. 13, 2014, was ‘World Cup Stacking Day,’ and students at the Hebrew High School in New England helped create a new world record.
Ari Zakin, Efrat Ben Naim, Matan Dragon and Zach Adler. Submitted photo
By Ronni Newton
Sixty students and staff members at the Hebrew High School of New England (HHNE) participated in “World Cup Stacking Day” on Nov. 13, 2014, joining people in 35 countries to try to break the previous record of 555,932 according to the World Sport Stacking Association.
“The purpose of this day was to incorporate physics, math and health. The event promotes critical thinking, visual and mental acuity, problem solving and fun. [It’s] a wonderful incorporation of spirit, mind and body,” said Ann Marie Dombroskas, nurse at Hebrew High School. “Cup Stacking Day has been a great success!” she said.
Dombraskas said that her son, Rob Dombroskas, a Conard High School graduate (class of 2004) who now works as a physical education teacher at the Brown School in Natick, MA, introduced the event to HHNE. The two schools shared photos of their stacking prowess throughout the day as encouragement.
The World Cup Stacking Association sent HHNE a kit containing 300 stacking cups for use in the stacking and unstacking activity, Dombroskas said.
Esti Garfield and Avigail Rockland. Submitted photo
Participants from HHNE included the principal, Rabbi Jeremy Bruce, as well as faculty, students, advisers, maintenance employees, and the nurse. “Students worked independently and cooperatively. Dr. Nabel, Head of General Studies, officiated a cup stacking competition. The winner of the 3-6-3 competition was Simi Clapman of West Orange, NJ,” Dombroskas said.
According to the World Cup Stacking Association, the goal of breaking last year’s record was achieved. The current number of verified “stackers” is 556,401, and they are still awaiting verification from some schools and anticipate the total number to reach the association’s goal of 600,000.
Hebrew High School of New England was one of 23 Connecticut Schools participating in the event. Smith STEM School in West Hartford also participated, with 165 verified stackers.
