This last year, these kids played tetherball with me almost every recess they got, and it has been one of the most fulfilling experiences I have had as an educator. I began joining their games in the very beginning of September, and their love for the game inspired us to create our weekly tetherball tournaments. On tournament Fridays, I’d go from a teacher to a sportscaster, announcing the students and their stats as they played the game. (And, of course, students received a cougar coupon reward for playing).

For our very last tournament Friday of the 2021/2022 school year, these students went all out and played their hardest. It was only fitting for them to receive proper recognition at the end of it all with their certifications of their excellence in tetherball.

And while the game itself is exciting, my favorite part of it all goes back to these kids themselves. I have had the honor of watching them develop confidence in themselves and their abilities. I have witnessed the bonds and friendships they have made with their fellow classmates. Most of all, I have simply gotten to see them grow even further into the kind, creative, funny, and amazing individuals they are all becoming.

Coming out of my first year working at Columbus, I am eternally grateful to have met these kids, and I am so proud of them in everything they have accomplished.

Here’s to many more tournament Fridays!