Mack Lyon Students Belly Flop Into A New School Year

By MAGGIE MCMURRAY

Moapa Valley Progress

Students at Mack Lyon Middle School got to shed the stress of the first week of school on Thursday afternoon and briefly return to the fun of summer during the school’s Back-to-School Bash held at the Overton pool on the school campus. Students were invited to an hour of swimming and snow cones complete with a belly flop contest and several other fancy diving board competitions.

The event was organized by the student council and students from all three grades turned out to enjoy the party. Late buses were on hand to make sure the kids made it home when the event was finished.
Mack Lyon principal Ken Paul explained the purpose of the event. “It is organized by the student council and lets the kids see a side of their teachers and principal that they don’t see in the regular school setting,” he said. “It’s also an opportunity for them to get together for fun with their peers.”

This year’s start has been particularly stressful with a shift to Chromebook computers for each student at the school. Reviews so far, though, were positive among both students and teachers.
“I love the Chromebooks, they’ve been very useful,” said 8th grader Brody Olive.
But kids temporarily forgot computer stress as they had fun eating snow cones and swimming.
“The party has been great,” 8th grader Brennan Hall. “The first week has been a lot of fun. I have really nice teachers.”

Elise Leavitt, 7th grade, said, “I came to get snow cones, do some swimming, listen to music, and have a lot of fun.”
Andi Webber, 6th grade, said, “So far middle school has been awesome. We get to switch classes and we get lockers. We also get a great party. I love being able to swim.”
Student Body President Kyra Larsen was the announcer and final judge on the many diving activities of the day.

“This year will be a lot of fun with a lot of excitement,” she told the kids. “I’m the weirdest president ever and you’re going to love it.”

The kids did love it and turned out in droves to participate in the various contests. There was a cannonball contest, a diva queen contest, a flip contest, and the ever-popular belly flop contest.
Jorja Freeman, 6th grade, was a finalist in the belly flop contest. “Even though I didn’t win, it was great. It hurt, but it was a lot of fun to participate.”
The belly flop contest was won by 8th grader Billy Jimenez. He summed up his experience in a few short words, “It hurt. A lot.”

Spirits were high as the party came to a close. Teacher Dennis Jarrel said, “I am looking forward to an exciting new year. It’s been a good first week. I really like the new crop of kids.”
Chakota Rowley, 8th grade, also summed things up. She said, “I’m an optimistic person and I think this year will be great.”