CRANSTON — From bowling to basketball, a relay race to ring-toss, students from St. Mary School showed off their athletic skills at the school's Olympic Day.
Principal Lisa Lepore said that the third annual Olympic Day at St. Mary was embraced with great enthusiasm by the entire school community.
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“Everyone worked together so the day was a huge success,” she said. “Parents and grandparents helped out with the events and all of the food, the older students modeled great behavior for the little ones and they took great care of making sure the little guys knew what to do and helped carry their lunch and snacks. It is what I hoped the day would be when I envisioned it 20 years ago.”
When Lepore started the Olympics at her former school, St. Leo in Pawtucket, it was with the intention to bring everyone together and have a great time.
"It's a big deal," she explained. "It is about teamwork. That’s why there are no individual games. Each event is a team event."
This year, students created large posters including information about their country such as the flag, language, and music. Italian teacher Alessandra Muccio, who hosted the country Tanzania, said that the school never repeats countries so that the students can continue to have a little taste of the entire world.
“The school spirit is unbelievable,” she said. "I see them forming new friendships and learning about teamwork. They look forward to it all year.”
Seven year-old Olivia Stephenson said that participating in the different games was the best part about Olympic Day. She added that she learned a lot about her country, Tanzania.
“I learned that they have a lot of safaris and that it’s in Africa,” she said, wearing her tiger-ear headband.
Linda Smith drives 45 minutes each day to take her son, second grader Anthony Lautieri to his beloved school. She explained that her daily commute is worth it because of the bond Anthony has with St.?Mary School.
"He loves this school so much, he is so connected with the teachers and the students," said Smith. "All night he has been talking about the Olympics. He was so excited."
Connie Hargreaves, who has two grandchildren that attend at St. Mary said the school provides a caring atmosphere for her family.
“You’ll never find more caring people,” she said. “They care about whether the children are getting a sunburn or if they’re sad. It’s just such a wonderful school."
