BY KARISSA MILLER

N.B. Mills Elementary School students participated in the annual Fun Day Friday that brings students, teachers and community partners together.

Students and teachers gathered in the open space beside the school for a day of fun that ended with a hot dog lunch.

Classes rotated through half a dozen games spread out across the field. Games consisted of traditional favorites such as limbo and a potato sack race. Upbeat music played in the background and set an energizing tone for the day.

“There is a big slide. I liked it, but it was a little scary. I had to scream,” said five-year-old Madison Griffin, a pre-K student.

Madison, along with her classmates, said that they also enjoyed the snow cones and popcorn, which was provided by Foundation of Hope Ministries in Statesville.

Third-grader Alaric Sanchez was smiling and running around with his classmates Friday.

“I like being outside and hanging out with my friends and eating with them,” he said.

Classmate Saniyah Mills said she also liked having the chance to mingle with her friends.

“I like the bouncy house, basketball and snow cones. I liked seeing my sister, friends and cousins,” she explained.

The races and games brought out students’ competitive spirits. They also enjoyed arts and crafts, hula hoops and jump rope.

The Fun Day tradition was first started three years ago by former school board member Abby Trent.

Her mom Angela Matthews, who was one of many of the community partners who helped organize and sponsor the event, said you could feel the excitement in the air.

“There are a lot of happy kids and smiles all around. Everything has gone really smoothly and the kids are having a good time,” she said. “This is our way of giving back and we hope others will want to do the same.”

Foundation of Hope Ministries Executive Director Karen Kidd, who has volunteered each year, agreed.

“It’s always the endless smiles and contagious energy. I love seeing just how happy each kid is,” she said.

The event has helped bring new community partner groups together along with students from Statesville High School who helped manage the event.

Participating community partners included Foundation of Hope, Front Street Baptist Church, Statesville Police Department, Boys & Girls Club, Mitchell Community College and Grill 4 God ministries.

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