On April 26, middle school students united with their teams donning red, blue, white, and black to compete in the annual epic battle of brains and brawn that is MS Field Day. Who would take home the coveted Golden Boot? Could the white team pull off an unprecedented three-peat? Would any boats make it across the pool this year? Many questions loomed as the day began.

The “Iron Giraffe Challenge” was the first event of the day, a 3K run organized by Mrs. Pakos and her ELL students. Students tested not only their speed and perseverance but were also encouraged to think of others and raise money ahead of the event for the Water for South Sudan organization. The Iron Giraffe refers to the drill that is used to dig wells in communities that are in need of clean water. Middle schoolers not only raised the ₩1,000,000 needed to complete the challenge but surpassed that by raising ₩2,000,000, demonstrating their generosity and commitment to helping those in need. 

The day continued with each grade level participating in stations designed to test their ability to work together and demonstrate their athletic abilities. The athletics building hosted pickleball, badminton, ping pong, and corn hole, while swimming competitions and water polo games took place in the pool. On the field, students took part in a wide variety of events and activities, such as races, high jump, human ring toss, four square, and many more. The cooperative challenge station encouraged students to work out their minds by participating in a trivia contest, escape challenge, or building a cardboard boat for a teacher to race across the pool. 

After lunch, the fun continued as students watched the brave teacher representatives, Mr. Davis, Mr. Krahn, Mr. Harrison, and Mrs. Brockett, race the boats they built across the pool. It was a tight race with many laughs, but ultimately Mrs. Brocket was victorious and brought home the first place finish for the black team. Next up was the 8th grade vs. teachers basketball game. While the 8th graders battled valiantly, they couldn’t quite match the size, skill, and savvy of the teachers on the court. The day ended with closing thoughts and encouragement of a job well done by students from Mr. Treviño, a photo slideshow of the day, and the final answer to the question of who would take home the championship and the Golden Boot trophy. The total points were close, but the blue team pulled off the win and was crowned the middle school field day champions for 2024. 

Thanks are due to the many parent volunteers, middle school teachers, schoolwide staff, and administrators who helped to make this day a success. It was truly a display by all involved of how we are “Created for Good,” especially when we work together.