LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Record Number of Athletes Compete at Moraga Rotary's Annual Field Day


Photo Ohlen Alexander

On May 30, the Rotary Club of Moraga held its 21st Annual Field Day, a track and field meet at Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School for third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade Moraga students in the three public elementary schools and Saklan School. There were 250 athletes this year, compared with 205 last year, competing in events such as sprints, relays, sack races, long jumps, and baseball throws. Gold, silver, and bronze medals were awarded to the top three contestants in each event.

Again this year, Donald Rheem Elementary School won plaques for the most winning points and the most participants, and these plaques will be displayed at the school. The 112 Rheem athletes accumulated 182 points out of the total 271.

There was a tie for High Point Girl between Caroline Coates, in Mrs. Cavallero's fifth-grade class, and Kendall Runckel, in Mrs. Berkman's third-grade class, both at Rheem. The High Point Boy was Will Grubbs, in Mrs. Noyes' fifth-grade class at Rheem School. These students along with the High Point Teacher, Mrs. Cavallero, and Principal Elaine Frank, will be presented with the plaques honoring their achievements at an upcoming Moraga Rotary meeting.

The Field Day is a community service project that was originated by Moraga Rotarian, and past president, Al Simonsen who has chaired the event since its inception. Simonsen is a retired captain for American Airlines who also substitute-teaches in intermediate and high schools in Lamorinda. "A big 'thank you' to all teachers who encouraged their students to attend Rotary Field Day," he said. "It was a fun event for the children, Rotarians, parents and teachers who were there. The students behaved beautifully and were enthusiastic in their support for each other and their schools."

Rotary also supports local schools by giving a dictionary to every third-grade student in the Moraga schools including Saklan and Canyon schools; this community service project has continued for more than a decade.

"It was a beautiful day," Simonsen added. "All who participated were winners in our eyes."

Moraga Rotary is a local service club within Rotary International that meets most Tuesdays at noon at Saint Mary's College. For information, please call Gary Irwin of Moraga Rotary at (925) 376-7688.