2020
My High School used to run a combat robotics (battle bots) once every two years. They would teach an elective class at the same time where students built battle bots.
To my 9th-grade head, this was unacceptable. Only once in two years?? It could not be. I resolved to run a tournament during the off year.
Very quickly I realized why they only ran it once in two years. It was difficult to drum up support, and I had to market the event as well as convince students to put in their own money to build battle bots and compete.
It was totally worth it in the end though I'm not sure if I would do it again... What a competition!
I had to convince students to sign up for my competition, so I put up posters, talked to friends, and learned to pitch to people. I built a google website to house materials and convinced one of the teachers to judge for us.
I also personally held office hours during weekends to help students who wanted to build their bots but needed more help. It was a great experience mentoring those students, and I really enjoyed having the opportunity to do it.
By the end we had a huge percentage of the school turn out to watch the competition!