A winter of voluntary sacrifice led to some satisfying results for Cardinal students who participated a recent indoor track meet at Kent…
Indoor Track Team Excels
A winter of voluntary sacrifice led to some satisfying results for Cardinal students who participated a recent indoor track meet at Kent State University. Junior Erin R. competed in the 60-meter hurdles and the 200; junior Trisha C., competed in pole vault and long jump; and senior Caitlyn L., competed in the 200 and 400. All three runners placed in the top half of entries for their categories.
“There were nearly 150 runners in the 200 and 400,” says coach Greg Cicero. “This was a very large meet and these ladies should be proud of their accomplishments.”
Though not as common place in smaller schools as it is in Division I or II, Cardinal’s indoor track team has actually been around for seven seasons. It is strictly a volunteer endeavor for those who participate, from the athletes to the coaches and even the parents. Practices are not mandatory, and those who do participate have various reasons for doing so. Some are staying in shape for the spring outdoor track season, some are trying something new, and others, like senior Harry W., are honoring a commitment to a friend.
“This is my first year; a friend encouraged me to do it, and it’s not something I never thought I would try,” says Harry. “But here I am, learning how to throw a discus and running, keeping the promise I made to my friend, and I’m enjoying myself.”
With only 14 students participating in practices all season, the small group environment gives student-athletes more focused training time with their coaches.
Junior Erin R. says, “I really like the one-on-one time we get with coach Cicero and coach Chenoweth. It’s nice to get those extra pointers and have that extra focus to help improve our skills. We don’t get that as much in the outdoor track season because there are so many people on the team.”
Freshman Kaylee K. says, “There’s a lot of support here with this group. Since it’s so small, we can all be there encouraging each other as we work to improve our skills, and that’s been a lot of fun.”
CMS Mathematics Competitions
Cardinal Middle School students flex their math muscles at the Greater Cleveland Council of Teachers of Mathematics math competitions. Several students in grades five through eight competed at the events, which were held on two different weekends. The purpose of the competition is to stimulate interest in mathematics among middle school students. Students from Cardinal worked in teams on different problem solving and mental math events.
Students who competed were: Audrey A., Jake B., Ana F., Ava G., Tim M., Serenity M., Jenna O., Dylan S., John A., Olivia B., Connor C., Chloe D., Grace F., Lorelie H., Olivia O., Colby T., Grace W., Olivia W., Edward Y., Brock Z., Haley B., Micah G., Sam L., John K., Ashley M., Brandon C., Grace G., Francesca V., Josh S., Rachael L., Sierra B., Kayla V., Emmeline R., Ally W., Grace M., Sydney S., and Anthony S.
Bottle Refill Stations
Students at Cardinal High School looking for a cheap and healthy alternative to buying bottled beverages have access to free filtered water in three places at the school. The water fountains near the cafeteria and office were replaced with combination water fountain/bottle refills stations and a refill station was added to the current water fountain in the gym lobby. An $1,800 grant from the Wal-Mart Foundation and funds from CHS Student Council made the refill stations possible.
Water bottle refill stations are meant as an alternative and eventually a replacement to traditional water fountains. Rather than providing a nozzle to drink from, the refill stations feature a long, hooked faucet for refilling water bottles. The design helps reduce wasted water as well as reduce calcium buildup on the faucets as seen on traditional water fountains.
Student Council advisor Jean Jerina became interested in this project when her daughters brought home water bottles from Youngstown State University this past fall.
“After receiving the grant from Wal-Mart, we were able to move forward to provide these stations for our students,” Jerina says. “Not only does it help the environment by reducing the use of disposable plastic water bottles, but the fill process is faster than a traditional water fountain allowing more students to fill their bottles and get to classes on time.”
CMS Paw Pride Winners
Congratulations to the CMS Paw Pride winners for the week of March 7: fifth-graders Anessa F., Tristan W., Zach C. and Miranda R.; sixth-graders Kaden M., Mia P. and Emily D.; seventh-graders Baylei C., Brooke S., Mike R. and Tori V.; and eighth-graders Serenity C., Lucas V., Jack E., Maxon D. and Kayla V. Keep up the great Huskie pride.
