The Brentwood Regatta: Where Students Run the World

28 April 2024Christian M, Privett ‘26

The sun shines its dazzling rays over lustrous Mill Bay waters, casting the illusion of stars glistening in the blue. Amidst this, warm chatter and music fill the Brentwood campus, creating a welcoming atmosphere for visiting family, alumni, schools and clubs. Behind the scenes, Brentwood students work tirelessly, like cogs in a massive machine, to ensure the entertainment and sustenance of Brentwood’s many visitors – and the smooth sailing of the Regatta.

This year, we have the pleasure of hosting the annual Brentwood Regatta for the 52nd year, organizing engaging events and entertainment run by students: the food booths, live music, an art show, and much more.

For the food booths, Mr Justin MacDonald’s Entrepreneurship 12 class has been tasked with creating and selling food and drinks to customers, which not only gives the visitors more food choices but also allows the students to gain real-world experience in being entrepreneurs, as well as teaching them the hard work of becoming one. Jacob M, Rogers ‘25, one of the owners of The Big Munch, states “I think that [the Regatta] is a good opportunity – but it’s a big sacrifice because you have to give up your whole weekend”.

In the middle of Campbell Commons, various Brentwood musicians, such as the Rock Band and the Rhythm and Blues Band – and local artists including the renowned Soul Shakers and the stellar Phonosonics – are playing. Carys C, Allard ‘25, one of the performers in the Rhythm and Blues Band, exclaims “It was really nice to share what we’ve been working on with the school. Regatta is definitely a highlight for performers and the outside stage is a nice change of scenery”.

Painstakingly planned with an abundance of meticulously-made student artworks, Brentwood’s Legacy 100 Art Show is finally opening its doors to the public, showcasing various 3D and 2D art. “It seems like every year we have more and more students spending extra hours in the studio because of the pride they are taking and the work they wish to show. One of the most interesting things about exhibiting is the chance to show the people who might have no idea that they have this artistic side what they can do” says Mr John Luna, one of the staff members spending countless hours preparing for the show.

Finally, students can be seen across the entire campus, working hard on their jobs such as cafeteria duty, house security, weigh-in, clean up, food waste management, photography, boat driving, dock management, and much, much more. Despite the workload, each one is just as vital as the other.

As aforementioned, we Brentwood students are like cogs in a machine; without us, everything in the Regatta – from the food booths to the live music, to the art show – would and could not happen.

And as the Regatta days speed past just like the rowers in their boats, the students’ sacrifices in making this magical event happen are definitely worthy of applause.

Christian M, Privett ‘26

Where Students Choose To Be