Lower School Celebrates 36th Annual Olympics 

Lower School students celebrated the annual Olympic Games during the week of February 3, 2026, as each grade level representing countries from around the world took to Kennerly Field for field games and friendly competition.

Head of School Dave Faus and Head of Lower School Margaret Granados welcomed students and spectators to the beloved tradition, which began in 1990 as an educational initiative led by former Head of School Peter Graham.

Olympic Day marks the culmination of a month-long multicultural study in the Lower School, during which students explore global customs and cultures. The celebration also includes a classroom-based culinary luncheon hosted on the eve of the Games, allowing students to experience international traditions firsthand.

Lower School torchbearers officially opened the festivities with a ceremonial lighting of the Olympic flame before students competed in a variety of events alongside their classmates, including dashes, hurdles, relays, and the bean bag toss.

Faculty Olympic Day Coordinator Riordan Cheatham and Lower School Physical Education Coach Kathy Bailey worked tirelessly to bring the event to life. Bailey shared that Olympic Day remains her favorite event of the school year.

 “While it felt a bit like our own Winter Olympics at times,” Bailey said, referring to the unusually brisk Florida temperatures, “we were fortunate to have good weather most days. And even when the rain showed up, the Olympic spirit never faded. Thank you to everyone who helped make the event run so smoothly.”

Congratulations to all Olympic Day participants, including the following class winners, who were announced during the awards celebration:

Peter Graham Outstanding Sportsmanship Award : 3K - Ireland

Ultimate Frisbee Champions 4th Grade: 

Boys - 4K Bahamas, Girls - 4B Portugal

Ultimate Frisbee Champions 5th Grade: 

Girls - 5K Egypt, Boys - 5S Canada

Steve Hamel Teacher Award: : Mrs. Feck

6th Place: 2B France

5th Place: 3F Japan

4th Place: 5W Mexico

3rd Place: 4B Portugal

2nd Place: 5M Australia

1st Place: 1K Italy