On June 7, under a gleaming sun and bursting foliage, Medstead School proudly hosted approximately 400 kindergarten through Grade 6 students. Kids from Medstead and surrounding communities gathered for the annual elementary track and field event. This is a recurring occasion that has made its community proud for well over a decade.
The event brought not only the Medstead School and community together, but the entire occasion was assisted by numerous parent volunteers from Leoville, Spiritwood and Medstead. Transport from the guest schools arrived at 9:45 a.m. and the exciting events began shortly thereafter.
The children were split between the kindergarten to Grade 3 youngsters and the slightly older Grade 4-6 students, wherein each had seven events in which to partake. The high school students from Medstead School were a huge part of facilitating the events. These young leaders worked a variety of tasks, from helping run the individual events themselves, to handing out ribbons after each competition, marking the success of smiling winners of the day.
There was a broad range of events for all of the children including ball throws, one for distance and a separate contest for accuracy. There were 60 meter and 100 meter sprints and long jump from both running and standing. Even more events included skipping, high jump, a shuttle run, and a marble in spoon race. The day also touted longer distance runs for the older elementary students, Grades 4-6.
The event was primarily organized by Stacy Hill, teacher at Medstead School. Hill noted that the event would not have been possible without the massive support of the engaged educational assistants at the school, including Patti Edwards, Brenda Robertson, Arin Waters and Lynn Moore.
The event boasted a canteen which ran throughout the event, providing refreshments to the hungry participants and helpers during the day. The canteen was run by teacher, Annette Benson. Proceeds from the eatery all go toward the famous Medstead Bus to Swim program, and other student activities.
Hill wishes to give a massive shout-out to the high school students of Medstead Central School, stating, “Everyone came out to help and support the younger kids.”
The essence of Medstead lies in its community spirit and involvement. This is largely perpetuated by the inclusive nature of the proud Mustang spirit of the village’s school, whose culture is displayed during events such as this, helping keep the town vibrant and exciting.
