This past month, Brien McMahon High School completely transformed into a game zone as students participated in a schoolwide scavenger hunt called Survivor. What started as a simple activity quickly turned into one of the most exciting events of the year, with students searching high and low for hidden prizes like prom tickets and gift cards.
Every day felt different. Clues would drop unexpectedly, and suddenly everyone was checking under tables, near lockers, inside vending machines, and even around the gym. It wasn’t just about finding prizes, it became a shared experience that brought people together across all grades.
One of the most memorable moments came from Danie
la Chavez, who found a prom ticket in the cafeteria.
“I wasn’t even trying that hard at the time,” Daniela said. “I was literally just sitting in the cafe, and then I noticed something out of place. When I picked it up and realized it was a prom ticket, I couldn’t believe it. Everyone around me started freaking out too.”
The competition wasn’t just about luck. Students could also earn points for their grade through participation in themed spirit days like Beach Day and Color Wars. Hallways were filled with bright outfits, creative costumes, and lots of energy as students showed off their school pride. Seniors especially stood out, consistently showing up and earning points every spirit day, which ultimately helped them secure the win with a total of 800 points.
Teachers also played a huge role by nominating students who demonstrated school spirit or positive involvement. Being nominated felt just as exciting as finding a prize. Students like Alinson Morales and Elena Calderon were recognized for their participation, along with Autumn and Lorrie. For many, it felt good just to be noticed.
“I didn’t expect to get nominated at all,” Alinson shared. “It made me feel like the effort I was putting in actually mattered.”
“I was just having fun dressing up for the themes,” Elena added. “So getting nominated was a really nice surprise.”
Out of the nominees, Lorrie ended up winning a prom ticket, making the moment even more special.
“When they announced my name, I was shocked,” Lorrie said. “I’ve been going all out for spirit days, but I didn’t think I’d actually win something that big. It honestly made everything worth it.”
Other students found prizes in unexpected places as well. Briana Pulia discovered one hidden in the gym.
“I checked near the bleachers after practice,” Briana said. “I had a feeling something might be there, and when I found it, I just stood there for a second in shock.”
Even underclassmen joined in on the excitement. One junior shared how they found a prize hidden in a vending machine.
“I saw people talking about it, so I decided to check between classes,” they said. “I didn’t think it would actually be there, but when I saw it, I was so excited.”
In addition to the scavenger hunt, students participated in side challenges like “Guess How Many,” where they had to estimate the number of beads in a container. These mini-games added another layer of competition and gave even more students a chance to win.
By the end of the month, it was clear that Survivor was more than just a game. It brought energy, laughter, and a sense of connection to the school. Whether students were searching for clues, dressing up for spirit days, or cheering on their friends, everyone had a chance to be part of something fun.
With seniors taking the win and unforgettable moments happening all throughout the school, Survivor will definitely be remembered as one of the most exciting events at Brien McMahon.
