The open fields at Westerville South High School offered Emerson and Hanby elementary students, staff and parents an opportunity to come together Wednesday for a combined field day.
And by hosting the end-of-the-year outdoor event at the high school, WSHS athletes could join in the festivities by leading games and activities for their younger peers — a practice educators hope will become a tradition moving forward.
“I wanted to be here because I went to Hanby and I wanted to experience it again and help them have a fun day because I enjoyed the Hanby field day,” WSHS senior Alena Keenan said. “For me, it’s trying to help them have the most fun they can.”
Hanby physical education teacher Alisa Franklin, who started organizing the event last fall, sought to close out the school year with a different take on field day while providing activities that apply skills students learn during their P.E. classes.
She chose the SuperGames’ field day program, which included inflatable courses, slides and bounce house. By inviting parents and high school students to participate in the festivities, it brings the best of both worlds, she said. More than 100 parents and students volunteered for the event.
“It’s fun that parents get to see their kids in their element,” said Franklin, who had been on medical leave for the past three weeks. She surprised students, staff and parents with a brief visit during the day.
For Emerson Principal Chris Poynter, having high school students be part of the festivities was an added bonus. He connected with several students who plan to study elementary education in college and invited them to do their student teaching at Emerson.
“Everyone is winning when you bring older kids with the younger kids,” he said.
Among the popular stations of the day: a game of Sharks and Minnows, where “minnows” run from one field to the other without being tagged by a “shark.”
WSHS senior Nelia Guice led the younger students through the rules of play as other WSHS athletes were sprinkled throughout the field to support and encourage the kids.
“I want to be an elementary school teacher when I’m older so this is just a great opportunity to be around the kids and have fun,” she said. “There’s a whole bunch of things going on at school so it’s good to just get out and have fun with the kids.”