Through a partnership with Lorain County Community College, and a grant secured by LCCC assistant athletic director, coach & club sports coordinator Jim Powers, 4th and 5th grade students at Stevan Dohanos Elementary School were given equipment to keep them fit and active, during the remaining summer days.
Tying the donation into the school's Fuel Up to Play 60 initiative, Program Advisor and Assistant Principal Monica Stewart, Physical Education Instructor Elizabeth Steinmetz, Principal Marie Deshuk and Powers distributed rackets, tennis balls, a healthy snack from Aramark and an instructional packet--in both English and Spanish--to roughly 35 students, Wednesday night.
Powers, who normally teaches community children the sport during the summer months, said COVID-19 derailed his plans, but still felt it was important to educate them on the sport and the importance of physical activity.
"It's the perfect social distancing sport," Powers said. "Children can maintain six feet of separation, and there is limited physical contact with the ball."
Students and their parents circled the school parking lot, as the sun set on the city's south side, accepting the gifts from the group.
Principal Deshuk was elated to see many of her students, in person, since many have not had face-to-face contact with each other since the district's closing in March.
"I miss my babies!" Deshuk exclaimed as she pranced through the parking lot, waving and visiting with families.