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Field day fun

Abigail Mills, a Sheppard Elementary student in Jennifer Godby’s kindergarten class, participates in the soccer shoot event at Sheppard Elementary’s field day on Friday. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Jacob Corbin).

Abigail Mills, a Sheppard Elementary student in Jennifer Godby’s kindergarten class, participates in the soccer shoot event at Sheppard Elementary’s field day on Friday. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Jacob Corbin).

Damante Cross, a first-grade student at Sheppard Elementary, guides the ball during the field hockey race Friday.  (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Jacob Corbin).

Damante Cross, a first-grade student at Sheppard Elementary, guides the ball during the field hockey race Friday. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Jacob Corbin).

Heaven Terrel and Cameryn Norris, kindergarten students at Sheppard Elementary, participate in the hurdles event Friday. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Jacob Corbin).

Heaven Terrel and Cameryn Norris, kindergarten students at Sheppard Elementary, participate in the hurdles event Friday. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Jacob Corbin).

Nicole Evans, a first grade student at Sheppard Elementary, hops in a potato-sack race Friday. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Jacob Corbin).

Nicole Evans, a first grade student at Sheppard Elementary, hops in a potato-sack race Friday. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Jacob Corbin).

SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Each year Sheppard Elementary holds a field day for about 300 kindergarten through sixth graders, giving them the chance to have a day of fun after a year of hard work. 

Field day demonstrates to parents the skills the children have learned, builds children's confidence and gives them a chance to celebrate all they've accomplished, said Delaine Wiersema, physical education and health teacher at Sheppard Elementary. 

Some students said they enjoy being out side and have fun with their classmates as the year winds to a close. 

"I sit in my chair all day, it's fun to get out and run," said Veronica Schroeder, a fourth grade student. "I like being outdoors." 

Field day is made up of eight events, from standard track and field like the 40-yard dash and the hurdles, to more unique events like the potato-sack race and the duck-and-pass relay, an event involving tossing a toy pig to between teammates. 

Students begin preparing for field day early in the year in their physical education class, where they practice the events as they progress through the instructional units. 

"Not many students learn to play field hockey, especially in kindergarten and in first grade," Wiersema said.

 The students at Sheppard Elementary are introduced to a wide variety of sports and activities, Wiesema continued . 

In addition to having fun and celebrating, students get the chance to invite friends and family to watch as they demonstrate the skills they've worked on all year. 

"My parents always tell me I'm going to grow up to be like my brother," said Tauryn Dargan, a fourth grade student. "When I ran the 40-yard dash, I kind of felt like my big brother." 

All students received ribbons for giving it their all and doing their best, but as they returned to class, first place wasn't what mattered. It was the day of fun and excitement with families and friends. 

"It was fun because you all come together and have fun," said Amber Carlson, a sixth-grade student.