Lower School Celebrates 29th Annual Olympics

The excitement was palpable as lower school students, representing countries from around the world, paraded around Kennerly Field during the opening ceremony of the 29th annual Benjamin School Olympics.

The beloved tradition of the Olympics began in 1990 as an educational endeavor spearheaded by former Head of School Peter Graham and Assistant Director of Athletics Steve Hamel. The Olympic Day celebration is the culmination of a month-long multicultural study that including the exploration of foreign customs and culture, including a culinary luncheon hosted in classrooms on the eve of the Olympics.

Head of Lower School Dr. Kristen Sheehan welcomed faculty, parents and friends to the games as the middle school band performed an assortment of numbers on Kennerly Field. Lower School PE Coach Jackie Filia thanked Coach Hamel for his years of service to the school before announcing a new Olympic award in his honor: The Coach Hamel Teacher Award.

The ceremonial lighting of the Olympic flame by lower school torchbearers signalled the commencement of the day-long event. Students competed in a variety of events from dashes, to hurdles, relays, and bean bag tosses.

Faculty Olympic Day Coordinator Riordan Cheatham says the Olympics is one of his favorite Benjamin traditions. Seeing the excitement on each student’s face is the highlight, says Cheatham.

Congratulations to all the Olympics participants including the following class winners:

Peter Graham Sportsmanship Award
5K - Greece- Mrs. Kurz
6th Place
2H - Sweden - Mrs. Holland
5A - Canada - Mrs. Sparger
5th Place
4G - Bolivia - Mr. Griffis
4th Place
5S - India - Ms. Spivey
3rd Place
5M - Mexico - Mrs. McKinstry
2nd Place
3F - Japan - Mrs. Feck
1st Place
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A premier PK3 - Grade 12 independent, coeducational day school with campuses in North Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens. Since 1960, The Benjamin School has provided a challenging college preparatory education to a diverse student body in a structured, nurturing community environment.
 
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