Annual High School Linguini Bridge Contest
Brianna De Oliveira and Evelyn Medeiros test their bridge.
Brianna De Oliveira and Evelyn Medeiros test their bridge.
Ken DeBettencourt narrates the action as Lila Norris and Kat Roberts prepare to test their bridge.
Ken DeBettencourt narrates the action as Lila Norris and Kat Roberts prepare to test their bridge.
Moment of truth for Shannon Levesque and Alana Morris.
Moment of truth for Shannon Levesque and Alana Morris.
Greta Gannon and Maggie Mayhew.
Greta Gannon and Maggie Mayhew.
Ken DeBettencourt examines a bridge as Rose Engler, Kyra Whalen and Nicole Arruda look on.
Ken DeBettencourt examines a bridge as Rose Engler, Kyra Whalen and Nicole Arruda look on.
Ryan O'Malley and Otto Osmers before...
Ryan O'Malley and Otto Osmers before...
....and after.
....and after.
Olin Gannon and Gabriel Bellebuono see how much linguini and glue can do.
Olin Gannon and Gabriel Bellebuono see how much linguini and glue can do.
Marissa D'Antonio and Meghan Sawyer test their linguini bridge.
Marissa D'Antonio and Meghan Sawyer test their linguini bridge.
Linguini everywhere. More and
Linguini everywhere. More and
More and more weight on the bridge for Shannon Levesque and Alana Morris.
More and more weight on the bridge for Shannon Levesque and Alana Morris.
Graham Lewis, the event winner, and Ben deBettencourt.
Graham Lewis, the event winner, and Ben deBettencourt.
More than 100 students gathered at the high school performing arts center Monday morning for the 18th annual linguini bridge contest, an annual event that challenges students to build strong structures out of just Elmer's glue and Prince linguini.
With 1980s pop music playing in the background, students tested the durability of their creations with stacks of free-weights. Freshman Graham Lewis built the winning bridge, which held 1,170 pounds before it cracked and collapsed.
Gordon Moore holds the school record for the competition. Three years ago, his bridge held 2,170 pounds.
Math teacher and linguini bridge contest creator Ken DeBettencourt said the contest teaches students about vertical force, weight distribution, balance and teamwork. It is also a bonding experience, he said.