ARCOLA - Arcola Elementary School held their track-and-field event on June 8, which involved 120 kids from kindergarten to Grade 6.
The morning began with the team captains, a Grade 6 student, rounding up their team. Each team is allowed 20 minutes to create a team cheer and banner. They head outside for their first event after this.
Being the team captain is something each student looks forward to when they are in Grade 6.
The 10 teams take part in different events. Points are gathered for the team.
“It has been done this way for 25 years and has always worked, like a well-oiled machine,” said Judy Naylen, the Grade 3 teacher.
At each obstacle, two teams compete against each other, and each team has a mix of two or three students from all the grades to make it fair. Students still challenge each other at the same age level, but the points are for the team. This way everyone participates in all the events.
All the Grade 9 students organized, set up and ran the events for the day.
According to Tucker Wyatt and Tristan Brownridge, both in Grade 9, they had to write down the first three placings as the runners crossed the finish lines.
The Grade 9 students also encouraged the youngsters to do their best to finish.
Many cheers could be heard as students cheered each other on, and if a young student stumbled there were several eager to help them back up.
Throughout the day, water was offered that was donated by the Arcola Co-op, and ice to keep the water chilled was donated by Michael’s from Arcola.
A crowd of parents and grandparents came out for the day to offer support to the students. The teachers were also on hand during the day giving guidance and support.
At the end of the day everyone was treated to ice cream, donated by Stoughton and Kisbey Credit Union.
“The kids find this the best part of the day,” said Naylen.
A ceremony is held to determine the winners. Total points from each team are tallied and first through fifth are awarded ribbons.
