They spread their wings to the approval of their students and fellow staff members.
Four Eisenhower Intermediate School Teachers took center stage on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 17, and delivered a performance that would make an eagle proud.
The event was Eisenhower’s School Spirit Pageant, an assembly that was presented, according to Principal Dr. Laura Bassett, “as a school-wide celebration to thank our students for an amazing year of showing how to SOAR with Safety, Ownership, Acceptance, and Respect.”
“As a school-wide reward for filling the final letter on the SOAR board this year, we held a staff School Spirit Pageant in a live assembly,” Dr. Bassett explained.
The dedicated leader of Eisenhower further detailed this festive event that was held before the entire student body and staff in the school’s spacious gymnasium.
“Staff members competed with a first round of videos answering questions about their school spirit and ideas for Eisenhower,” Dr. Bassett stated. “Students voted for the top four finalists who were: Tara Rutkowski, Teaching Assistant, Kristin Sarboukh, 5/6 Special Education Teacher, Christine Nevill, Music Teacher, and Jim Perry, Health and Physical Education Teacher.”
She detailed the competition.
“The four finalists competed in four categories: School Spirit Wear, Poem, Secret Talent, and Closing Arguments. Student judges were selected from students who won the "Exceptional Eagle" recognition this year. Student and staff judges rated the competitors in each category to crown the SOARing EAGLE Champion for 2025!”
Dr. Bassett further reported.
“Ms. Rutkowski wowed the crowd with a roller skating and heavy weights performance. Ms. Nevill performed a song in the voices of Harry Potter characters, Mr. Perry rode a unicycle and juggled, and Ms. Sarboukh recited all of the US Presidents in order while jumping rope. Each competitor delivered an Eisenhower Spirit-themed poem and dressed to impress in their Eagle or blue & gold-themed gear.”
The winner from this enthusiastic and creative foursome?
Ms. Sarboukh was the ultimate winner and was crowned champion!
The spirited host for this energetic activity was the master of ceremonies, Madison Kaminsky, Eisenhower’s Music Teacher.
Fellow devoted Eisenhower Teachers Deb Ronning and Jessica Reynold helped plan the event, and several teachers and staff assisted with the final performance, including Head Custodian Jens Haggarty, the Health and Physical Education Teachers, and School Security Officer Ted Reese.
Dr. Bassett added.
"This event was a total blast for students and staff, and was a great way to end the year. The contestants wrote creative poems about their love for Eisenhower school and our students and community, and they shared their pride to be Eisenhower educators!
She concluded.
“I'm very proud of our students for a great year and enjoyed celebrating their hard work and the love we have for our school together at this fun event!”