An exercise in freedom

Deirdre Newman

COSTA MESA -- Students exercised their freedom to work out on Friday

at St. Joachim School in Costa Mesa.

A schoolwide field day event paid tribute to “America, Land of the

Free,” and raised money for the PTA.

Money raised will be used to supplement the school’s budget for new

textbooks, Principal Rachel Martinez said.

The triathlon enabled the students to have fun while honing their

athletic skills.

“It kind of carries over to what I teach in physical education --

overall, strength, agility and fitness,” said Mike Davis, who was decked

out in marine fatigues for the occasion.

The day also included an academic component, as students in all grades

learned about various aspects of freedom from presidents to the armed

forces to the stamps that honor patriots and memorials.

This is the third year the triathlon has challenged students’ fitness.

The goal was to raise $25,000, said Jnell Shane, PTA president.

Athletic events included basketball and football tosses, musical

chairs, an obstacle course and tug of war.

Fifth-grader Roxanna Vivanco tried her skill at the football toss.

While she didn’t score any points, she said she did have fun trying.

“I like the triathlon because it helps you believe in yourself,” she

said. “Even if you don’t win, you can still feel good about yourself.”

John Swift, a sixth-grader, said he learned a lot about freedom while

studying the armed forces in his classroom.

“I learned that there’s a lot of different jobs in the Army, and a lot

of people are in it and how lucky we are to have them to fight our wars

and to be free,” John said.

* Deirdre Newman covers education. She may be reached at (949)

574-4221 or by e-mail at o7 deirdre.newman@latimes.comf7 .