Clarence High School Cardboard Boat Regatta Builds Student Excitement, Engineering Skills

Students in Engineering Design and Development classes at Clarence High School showcased their creativity and problem-solving skills as they competed in the school's Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta.

Students were tasked with creating the most effective three-person taxi boat to carry a passenger across the school’s pool, followed by a finale that challenged students to fit as many students in their boats as possible. The May 1, 2025 regatta drew a large crowd of students and staff from across the High School building to cheer on the student entrants.

The class is part of the high school’s Engineering and Technology Department, which combines hands-on learning with STEM challenges through its coursework. Classes are divided into two routes: semester-long courses that work with robotics and materials such as wood and metals, and year-long Project Lead the Way courses. The Project Lead the Way courses, built on the national organization’s curriculum, can create opportunities for students to obtain college credits through Rochester Institute of Technology and receive special recognition at graduation.