Wide Write
Stephen A. Condon
“Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty we are Free at last!” According to legend that quote was an inspiration to Martin Luther King, JR while sitting outside a school yard one spring day in 1963 as the students were released for summer vacation.
Of course the legend was one I just started as I typed Wide Write, but that doesn’t mean the legend is any less reliable. I have experience with legends; I am a legend in my own mind.
Besides, there is some truth to the above. Martin Luther King, JR did say it. It was the final line of his August 28, 1963, speech at the Lincoln Memorial. And, all across our great nation, newly freed students are wont to shout it out as they race from the school yard.
Yes, that was the clamor you heard last Friday afternoon. Here you thought it was a spring thunderstorm when it was just our students as they began their 3 month hiatus from the ‘doldrums of slavery’ of the past 9 months. Contrary to popular belief, as teachers, we are not slave drivers or even overseers. But yet, we do over see their work
In September, you will be able to hear the low grumble as the students march back into school. Or maybe that will be the grumble of realizing Wide Write is back for another season.
The two most anticipated days of the school year are the first day and the last. But, that is the same with cheering at a track meet. Have you ever noticed how people cheer the loudest for the runner who finishes first and for the one who finishes last? The rest are just also rans.
There could be a lesson in there, but as this is summer, the time for lessons is over. Remind me to think on that next fall. For now I would rather think about the students of the JCC Middle School.
Several students helped pick up road ditches last week and plant new plants in front of the JCC Middle School. Thank you to Whitney Burmeister, Dustin Pronk, Josh Bretzman, Tanner Menke, Dakota Rossow, Natalie Schlager, Shelby Benson, and Jenna Hartzler for a job well done.
The 8th graders voted for their student council members for next year. Congratulations to Cooper Moore, president; Sarah Darling, vice-president; Malory Frantsen, secretary; Whitney Burmeister, treasurer; Laura Einertson, rep; Kaylee Benson, rep; Dustin Pronk, rep; and Ben Connors, rep.
The JCC Middle School softball team ended their 2008 season in winning fashion when the 7th grade girls won the Windom Tournament on May 17. The 8th grade team came in 2nd, losing only to the JCC 7th grade team.
The 8th graders defeated MLBO, 12-11, and Windom, 17-10, before falling to the JCC 7th grade girls 5-10. Leading the offense with 2 homeruns was Kirsten Ringgenberg. Other scorers included Caitlin Muir, Alyssa Paulson, Karlee Wegner, Lisa Keovongxay, Jordin Elness, and Laura Einertson.
The 7th grade team defeated Windom and RRC before their win over the 8th graders. Team members are Jenna Stade, Mackenzie Reed, Jasmine Erickson, Michelle VanEpps, Adrianne Rentschler, Marita Rasche, Brooke Klontz, Brooke Arndt, Brandi Hassing, Angela Handzus, and Candance Morrison.
And now, as the school year has come to a close, so to does this year of Wide Write. Try not to cheer out a ‘Free from Wide Write at last’ too loud! But, it is time for a 3 month hiatus from Wide Write. Until next fall, enjoy the freedoms of summer. Stay safe and prepare yourself to cheer on next year’s Huskies. Go Huskies!