(From left) Del. Eileen Filler Corn (D-41), SCA President Ben Lajoy and Principal Ryan Richardson just moments before the ribbon was cut and children rushed onto the playground. Photo by Marissa Beale/The Connection
White Oaks Elementary School has a brand new playground for all the community to enjoy. The official ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on Friday, May 8, and was attended by parents, students, teachers, community members and Del. Eileen Filler-Corn (D-41) who was there to assist at the ceremony.
“I’m thrilled to be a part,” said Del. Filler-Corn. “This is definitely a highlight.”
The children lined up in front of the playground, eagerly anticipating the moment when the ribbon would be cut, as Principal Ryan Richardson gave opening remarks. The event was also held in conjunction with the annual PTA picnic and there was even a table where students could get free henna tattoos, painted by alums of White Oaks Elementary School.
The new playground affords students more space to run around and play, which was a bit difficult in the past. The sixth grade class, alone, is made up of 160 students.
“No one used it last year,” said sixth grade student Haven Townsend about the school’s old playground. “I feel like everyone is getting more activity.”
“The most amazing thing is how the big kids have taken to the swings,” said sixth grade teacher Barbara Borrelli.
The playground opening marked the end of this year’s Teacher Appreciation Week as well, during which the PTA treated the teachers to special breakfasts and lunches.