Lincoln elementary schools join the fight with Recess Relay programs

[June 19, 2017]  LINCOLN - Nearing the end of the school year students and faculty at Central, Adams, Northwest, West Lincoln-Broadwell and Washington-Monroe elementary schools set aside a special time to join the fight against cancer.

Each school conducted its own customized Recess for Relay program, which included raising funds by walking laps, learning that there are some cancers that can be prevented and what everyone can be doing now.

During the Recess Relay events students alternated walking and visiting various stations where they were provided information and/or were led in activities.

Students were reminded to protect themselves from the sun by wearing clothing that covers their skin, a hat, and sunscreen. For a visual aid, each received an ultra-violet light sensitive bracelet that turn colors from the damaging rays.



With lots of ingenuity, fun and energy, the 'CATCH Lady' Angie Whiteman, reminded everyone that eating the right foods and staying fit gives everyone a better chance at a healthy life. CATCH or Coordinated Approach To Child Health is a program that goes into schools all year long to teach kids about nutrition and fitness activity that is conducted through the Healthy Communities Partnership.

Students were also reminded about the risks of tobacco.

Some schools pumped up their programs to go all week long. Daily themes made it a fun way to finish out the last days of the school year. Students and teachers could wear fun clothing, footwear, or hats that normally are not acceptable in school by making a Relay donation that day. Sports Day took a game perspective to not let cancer win. With the weather hot and rainy most of May, Flip-flop Day made quite a hit at Northwest School this year.

There was also a giant gym course bounce house to challenge the students that nearly every kid no matter how small wanted their chance at doing, and yoga was added to the Relay day.

Kids from Central's fifth grade gloried in the beautiful May 24th, 1.5 mile cross-country walk led by Ms. Rebecca Bailey. That same day Northwest and Adams School held their relays also, luckily catching one of the few days that it did not rain in May and activities went on as planned outdoors. All schools had a backup plan. The only school not so lucky was Washington Monroe, where they did a 'Coin War' that proved lots of fun.

In all, students, teachers and administrators raised $1,471.05 for the cause. All proceeds will go toward research for a cure and for local support of survivors.

[Jan Youngquist]