Sitting down with the two service dogs attending their first field day, Peaches (3) and Benny (2), student Quadir Wheeler squealed in delight at the attention he was receiving from both dogs.
“They’re so nice and so soft!” Wheeler exclaimed. “They’re happy to be at field day with me!”
On Friday, May 30, the Resilience Academy held Field Day on the grounds of Salt Point Center. Pegasus students started the day off by joining in a group activity with a giant parachute led by teachers Susan Briggs-Lopane and Ken Fraser. Afterwards, students circulated through a series of carnival-style game stations, visited the face painting table, sang karaoke or spent time with service animals.
Whether students were just saying hello, brushing their fur or spending time with the dogs as a break from the excitement of the day’s events, Peaches and Benny remained popular amongst the students throughout the day. Both dogs are in training, currently “studying” to work specifically with children who have autism.
Diego Salgado-Barlocco shared that he was having a great day in the sun. “My favorite part so far? Let’s see…there’s so many choices!”
Diego spoke about how fast he can run during kickball, the silly character he had been planning to get face painted on himself all morning, the vanilla ice cream that would be perfect for such a sunny day and the exciting, but challenging game of Kan Jam he had won. Multiple stations even offered prizes for participants.
“I won a keychain for bowling,” said Pegasus student Austin Cichocki excitedly. “The prizes are my favorite.”
Resilience Academy art teacher, Michael Hollick, brought a group of student volunteers to do face painting at the event for the second year in a row. The station is one of the most popular field day activities, consistently drawing a crowd. “Students love to have their face painted to look like their favorite animal or Pokemon character,” shared Hollick.
Advanced art student Alexandra Varble showcased her artistry on many of the students by face painting animals, flowers, hearts and more.
“I really like volunteering,” shared Varble. “Last year I convinced a group of friends to do it with me. It was fun, so I’m happy to do it again this year.”
Following the outside action, students were treated to a BBQ lunch of hamburgers, ho
dogs, pasta salad and more.
Upon arrival for their own packed field day, other Resilience Academy students began inquiring about when the kickball match would begin. As soon as it was announced that the game would begin in three minutes, students began dividing themselves into teams and strategizing amongst themselves to try and ensure their win.
All Resilience Academy students met back up later to enjoy an ice cream social. “We are so thankful the weather cooperated and all of the students were able to be outside having such a great time with all of the various activities!” shared Denise L. Dzikowski, executive director for alternative and special education. “I think my favorite part of the day though was lunch when the entire building came together to enjoy the cookout, sharing stories about the games they won and showing off their face paint and medals while enjoying the yummy grilled hot dogs and burgers.”
