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 .
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