MCCES Marines play with students

Photo By Sgt. Sarah Anderson | Marines with the Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School run with students of Condor Elementary School during the kids’ P.E. class Feb. 6 as part of the Adopt-A-School Program. The Marines were encouraging the kids during their usual run, preparing them for the State Fitness Test.  

CA, UNITED STATES

02.15.2013

Story by Cpl. Sarah Anderson 

Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. - Marines with the Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School took a day to spend with the kids of Condor Elementary School Feb. 6, as part of the Adopt-a-School Program.

Adopt-a-School is a continuously run program throughout the year which introduces elementary school students from the high desert to Marines in a day of fun activities.

“It helps the kids understand the military isn’t just about wars,” said Pfc. Zachariah Garcia, student, MCCES. “It’s also good for Marines to get away and remember why we are also fighting.”
The day gave the Marines an opportunity to interact with their community and present themselves as positive role models to the children, as well as show the kids a different side of the Marine Corps.

MCCES Marines played catch, danced and got a chance to interact with them during down times in the class. It was a chance for the kids to have fun playing with adults, other than their parents or teachers.

“I made lots of friends today,” said Marc Hightower, 4th grader, Condor Elementary School. “We ran and we picked up that guy (Garcia). He was heavy. I want to tell them thank you for coming.”
In addition to the fun and games, the Marines aided the students in preparing for their version of the Physical Fitness Test, the State Fitness Test. The test is a mandate of the California Department of Education and promotes young kids to stay physically fit.

It challenges kids in a number of exercises testing their strength, cardio and flexibility.

Marines encouraged the students during their regular one-mile run and kept up beside them as they made their laps around the school’s playground. The Marines continued running until the last child had finished.

The Adopt-a-School Program is held at local elementary schools throughout the high desert and is a community service program Marines can get involved in. For more information on how to get involved, call Kristina Becker at 830-3765.

• Date Taken: 02.15.2013
• Date Posted: 02.16.2013 13:43
• Story ID: 102128
• Location: CA, US