Kingsland School hosting third annual ‘Amazing Race’
Kingsland School will hold its third annual Amazing Race event on Jan. 30, giving students another chance to team up and tackle creative challenges across the school.
Modeled after the hit television show, The Amazing Race, the competition sends pairs of students racing through classrooms transformed into different “countries,” where they complete puzzles and activities to reach their next destination. The top three teams earn prizes at the finish line.
The event was created by the school’s parent teacher organization president, Amber Lichtenstein, who saw a need for more opportunities for high school students to connect. The Kingsland Charter School serves K-12 students who often struggled in traditional public school settings, whether due to bullying, anxiety, or difficulties in larger classes.
“Just because they’ve struggled doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be able to experience high school shenanigans like others their age,” Lichtenstein told DailyTrib. “They’re still kids.”
Lichtenstein launched the first “Amazing Race” three years ago after realizing many students were missing out on typical high school experiences. To make the event possible, she reached out to local businesses for support, and the community responded with the first business donating needed items along with $500.
“I literally sat in the car and cried after picking up that check,” she said. “Not just because it’d help cover multiple items needed for the race, but because someone else shared the desire to give these kids this chance to let loose, forget all their troubles for a few hours, and just have fun being kids.”
The inaugural race proved to be a hit, blending fun with a bit of learning by including historical facts in the challenges. What stood out most to Lichtenstein was the change she saw in the students.
“Teenagers who normally sat quietly at their desks, just counting down the minutes until they could go home were racing down the hallway in full Dia de los Muertos makeup laughing and yelling at their partner to ‘hurry up, it’s this way,’” Lichtenstein said. “All the stress and planning was worth it for that moment.”
As the 2026 event approaches, Lichtenstein hopes to continue growing the race with help from the community. Sponsorships start at $100, and donations for the event’s prize basket are being accepted. All contributions are tax-deductible and go directly toward making the race possible.
This year’s goal is to provide prizes that students can use after graduation, such as tablets, mini fridges, and other items to support them in their next chapter.