Over the years, hundreds of Bright students have participated in the high jump. This annual competition was first held in 1976 by then-P.E. instructor Bob Cutrer. Now in its 42nd year, the high jump remains a favorite event each year. Coach Cutrer attended this year's event.

Fifth graders Ava Gallien and Nehemiah Coleman were the winners for the girls and boys. Ava cleared 4 feet, 2 inches, and Nehemiah cleared 4 feet, 1 inch.

Two second graders and several third and fourth graders qualified by clearing 3 feet, 4 inches in P.E. class earlier in the week. Fifth graders did not have to qualify to compete.

Last year's top boys and girls jumpers, Noah Cobb and Mattie Nall, who graduated last year,  returned for an exhibition jump or two. Last year, Mattie cleared a height of 4 feet, 1 inch to top all the girls. Noah set the school's high jump record at 5 feet. The previous record was held by sixth grader Sam Lynch, who cleared 4 feet, 9 inches in 1996.

When Coach Cutrer arrived in the mid-1970s, he taught children the “Fosbury flop” to clear the bar. The flop allowed jumpers to go over the bar back first instead of feet first with the scissors kick or western roll. The equipment Bright had at the time was somewhat hazardous if the child missed the bar or landing area, so parents chipped in and bought a big green “Port a Pit” to cushion the landing. With the new equipment, Coach Cutrer held the first high jump competition with fifth and sixth graders in spring 1976. The idea behind the competition was for the students to set individual goals, but it was also a way for Cutrer to showcase the P.E. program. He also started the tradition of bringing out kindergarten students, now PK students, and placing them under the bar to show how high it is.

This year's high jump was broadcast live on the school's Facebook page.

High Jump 2018