RACINE- In celebration of Valentine’s Day, teachers and students at Southern Local participated in the ultimate test of timing: the unforgettable drum challenge set to “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston. Click the link in the next to the last paragraph to watch the video!
The mission? To hit the drum on that iconic delayed beat after the long, dramatic pause just before the final chorus.
It sounds easy… until you find yourself in front of a gym full of elementary students, holding your breath. As the song played, the crowd fell silent. The music built, and the anticipation stretched on and on. That silence before the beat felt like it lasted forever—longer than anyone expected.
Teachers squinted in concentration. Some bounced slightly, trying to feel the rhythm, while others boldly hit the drum too early. A few overcorrected and waited just a second too long. Each time this happened, the entire gym erupted with laughter and cheers.
The elementary students had a blast cheering on their teachers and classmates. They counted under their breath, gasped dramatically during the pause, and celebrated wildly when someone actually nailed it. To watch the drum challenge attempts, click here.
The suspense made every attempt more thrilling than the last. What started as a simple challenge turned into a moment full of laughter, energy, and school spirit—one that leaves a lasting memory long after the final beat drops.