By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–Combining the past with the future, sixth graders at Union City Middle School experienced the Greek Olympics in a modern form.
The end-of-school-year project in Penne Guess’s social studies classes was part of a study of ancient Greece. It introduced students to the origin of the Greek Olympics while also tying in the upcoming 2024 Summer Games, set to be held in Paris, France.
Each sixth-grade homeroom took on the persona of a Greek city-state—also known as a polis—with Athens, Sparta, Argos, Corinth, and Megara represented. Students learned of the strengths and weaknesses of their assigned city-state, and each homeroom wore a specific-colored T-shirt to be easily identified with their group.
Each homeroom group also designed a flag to showcase their city-state. Collectively, the students – showing amazing artistic talents – painted a fabric flag that revealed vital information about their respective city-states. Those flags were proudly displayed at multiple locations where the Olympic-style competitions were held.
The ‘Opening Ceremonies’ were held at the UCHS track after each group paraded through the hallways of the middle school, with Olympic-themed music as part of the backdrop. Each city-state took a lap around the track with their flag before the ‘Games’ began.
Various competitions were held – some traditional, some not. There were track and field competitions, a pickleball tournament, a soccer goal kicking competition, tongue twisters, and a unique ‘humming’ competition, among others.
Gold, silver, and bronze medals were presented to winners in each competition, with the city-state of Corinth the overall champion.
“The students had the best time, and we plan to make this an annual event,” Mrs. Guess said. “Our wonderful administration (Principal Lance Morgan and Vice Principal Cole McAdams) was so supportive of the project, and we were able to make learning fun.”