EVANSTON — Clark Elementary held its second annual Mini-Olympics on Friday, Oct. 13, with all students participating. Principal Kimber Fessler said the school-wide event takes place among 13 teams, with each team comprised of students from every grade. 

Each team had a fifth-grade captain, said Fessler, and the captains were responsible for selecting a country for his or her team to represent. Several weeks were then spent researching that country, making a team flag, and teaching other team members about the chosen country.

On the day of the actual event, teams competed in events like the Frisbee throw, the long jump, an obstacle course, jumping rope, a soccer kick, sit-ups, and a mini-marathon. Team participants received points for event performance, and also for country knowledge, sportsmanship and team conduct, and for team spirit, Fessler said.

Awards were then given out for the first, second, and third place teams. First place went to Team France led by Aaron Gillette, Delaney Richins, and Madeleine Alldrege, with other team members Wyatte Hopkins, Elyse Kartchner, Mia Quintano, Jesse Kimble, Angelyse Taliercio, Santiago Trejo, Paige Lacy, Sophie Butler, Max Fessler, Amari Sanchez, Theodore Oswald, Taylor Moore, Jurnee Austin and Waylen Martinson. 

Second place went to Team Spain led by Korbyn Lamb, Kaya Dana, and Sierra Moberley. Fellow team members were Kaycee Owens, Lyra Hutchinson, Conner Page, Abigail Butler, Brette Francis, Oakley Hartzell, Makinnen Heaps, Bentley West, Juliana Rasnake, Karson Pauly, Kordell Pace, and Daniela Hernandez.

Third place went to Team Argentina, led by David Butler, Cambree Young, and Easton Williams. Other team members were Payton Caldwell, Haddie Kartchner, Kiara Worthing, Jolee Swan, Raylee Davis, Tyler Schiffman, Ryker Searle, Kaysen Sprute, Stryder Bezanson, Kim Freeman, Blake Smith, Cassidy Sims, Olivia Sitz, and Isabelle Williams. 

Fessler said, “This is an incredible opportunity for our students, but particularly for our fifth graders. As team captains, they really take an important leadership role. It’s so exciting to see them grow and rise to the challenge of supporting students from kindergarten to fourth grade.” 

Fessler said the event was coordinated by the Clark PTA, parents and staff, especially Karen Kimble and PE teacher Troy Dinnel. “A great big thank you goes to our PTA,” said Fessler.