For teacher Ian Doetzel, the goal of this year’s track and field event was simple: create a day that students from E.G. Wahlstrom would enjoy, remember, and use as a chance to push themselves to the best of their ability. At the same time, the event offered younger students an opportunity to build friendships, make lasting memories, and get a glimpse of life at the bigger school at Roland Michener Secondary School (RMSS.)

About 50 senior high students helped run the event.
By all accounts, the event was a major success. The E.G. students clearly enjoyed the day, and Doetzel says he received a great deal of positive feedback. Although the weather was hot, it remained cooperative. Doetzel says there one first-aid situation and that they were mindful of the risk of heat stroke, but overall the event ran smoothly and safely.

Planning for the event also paid off. Coordinating senior high students is no small task, says Doetzel, but the volunteers rose to the occasion and helped make the day run efficiently. Doetzel says he is grateful for staff from EG Wahlstrom for being helpful, adaptable, and quick to communicate any needed changes. That teamwork between students and staff helped ensure the event stayed organized from start to finish.

Doetzel hopes the event will continue for years to come. He says he wants leadership at RMSS and E.G. Wahlstrom to keep supporting and promoting this community tradition because of how beneficial it is for both schools and for the wider community. For the senior high students, it is a chance to lead and give back, he says. For many of the younger E.G. students, it is one of their favourite days of the entire school year.

Sara Driedger
Lakeside Leader