Seven Marines from the Marine Corps Air Station Yuma public affairs office volunteered at the Sunrise Elementary School’s annual kindergarten fun day, May 25.
This event is held every year just before the students are released for summer but this is the first year the Marines were invited to participate.
“One of the parents suggested we call the Marines,†said Peggy Enerson, Sunrise kindergarten teacher. “We wish we would have asked a long time ago, these events are a lot of fun but a lot of work as well so the extra help was fantastic.â€
Marines were posted at different event stations and helped run activities while making sure the more than 100 kindergarteners enjoyed the day.
“We try to plan enough activities so everyone is always engaged and having fun,†said Enerson.
The days activities included water balloon toss, bowling, putt-putt golf, sack races, face paint, parachute games and a sponge relay race.
“My favorite was the sponge race,†said Nicole Royals, a 5-year-old student in Ms. Enerson’s kindergarten class. “It was so much fun playing in the water!â€
At the end of the fun day Marines also sat down and enjoyed a pizza lunch with the four kindergarten classes.
“Doing events like these helps our relationship with the community, and shows we care,†said Pfc. Zac Scanlon, combat correspondent at MCAS Yuma. “It helps people understand we’re not just here to do a job but to live and interact with the community.â€
All participants in the fun day took away a new appreciation for one another.
“I like having people other than the normal ones helping out,†said Nicole. “The Marines were fun and really nice.â€
“We will definitely ask to have them back next year,†added Enerson. “They were so great with the kids and a huge help to the adults.â€
“I loved being out there with the kids,†said Scanlon. “They bring a sense of life out in me, makes me want to be a kid all over again.â€
For more information on getting involved in the schools in Yuma’s community, contact the school liaison, Elena McShane at (928)269-5373.
