Gallery: Students boat across East Lagoon in recycled boats

By Ethan Rodriguez, Photo Editor

October 10, 2025

Ethan Rodriguez

Participants of the Recycled Boat Race Emmeline Sovinski (left) and Kendall Wills smile and make the huskie hand sign on Sept. 30 during the Recycled Boat Race at the East Lagoon. The Recycled Boat Race was held as a part of NIU’s 118th Homecoming Week. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)

Participants of the Recycled Boat Race Kendall Wills (left) and Emmeline Sovinskis climb into their boat for a second attempt to paddle across the East Lagoon on Sept. 30 during the Recycled Boat Race at the East Lagoon. Wills and Sovinskis were part of the independent group “The Savannah Sailors.” (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)

Members of the Justice and Sustainability Association (JASA) student organization pose in front of their boat on Sept. 30 during the Recycled Boat Race at the East Lagoon. JASA’s boat was the only boat to successfully make it across the East Lagoon. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)

Members of “The Savannah Sailors” discuss their boat’s performance after the Campus Activities Board announced the winners on Sept. 30 during the Recycled Boat Race at the East Lagoon. The last Recycled Boat Race was held in 2017. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)

Members and supporters of the Katz team pose for a photo with an award from the Campus Activities Board’s award for being “Most Creative” on Sept. 30 during the Recycled Boat Race at the East Lagoon. Katz’s boat stayed afloat for over four minutes before tipping one-third the way across. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)

Members of various teams talk about the performances of each boat on Sept. 30 during the Recycled Boat Race at the East Lagoon. Four teams with one boat each participated in the Recycled Boat Race. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)

About the Contributor

Ethan Rodriguez

Ethan Rodriguez, Photo Editor

Ethan Rodriguez is a sophomore from the greater St. Charles area majoring in mechanical engineering. He started his career at the Northern Star in the fall 2024 semester. Outside of the news cycle, he enjoys photographing nature and the night sky.