Each September for the last 11 years, the Barber National Institute hosts the Beast on the Bay, a rigorous 10-mile course with 30 obstacles that challenge even the most skilled athletes. 

While many are gearing up for the Beast, which is several months away, the Mini-Beast is in full swing this week. You might be wondering, “What exactly is the Mini-Beast?” It’s an opportunity for Elizabeth Lee Black School students to hop, jump, skip, toss, and push their way through unique and fun obstacles at their own pace. 

After all, everyone deserves the chance to Beat the Beast! 

The Mini-Beast features a variety of activities that are accessible to all students and provide a high level of engagement. Brent Manti, our school’s physical education teacher, has been instrumental in creating an inclusive physical education program that supports each student’s development. 

Thanks to the Emergency Assistance for Non-Public Schools (EANS) Grant, the Elizabeth Lee Black School acquired the Lü Interactive Playground. This innovative system transforms traditional school environments into immersive and interactive spaces using a wide range of applications combined with world-class audiovisual equipment. The Lü Interactive Playground will certainly add an extra level of engagement to this year’s Mini-Beast!  

Rest assured that while the Beast on the Bay is ending, the adapted course will continue on as an annual event. I want to extend a very special thanks to those who participated in the Beast on the Bay since its inception as well as the countless volunteers and supporters who made this epic event happen.  

Learn more about the 12^th and Final annual Barber Beast on the Bay taking place on September 6 by visiting www.barberbeast.org.