Frankie
Marroquin is all focus
as she takes her turn
in the baton relay.
Vivian Espinoza looks
on. The May event
encompasses physical
fitness, leadership,
sportsmanship, and
all Chapman students
participate.
At left, Xoie Smoot peeks at her competition. About 32 teams of 10 to 12 students (of varying grade levels) participate in the event. Photos by Gary KohatsuJacob Tuitsai takes off in one of several relay events on May 27 at Chapman Elementary School’s May Day, Play Day fitness challenge.Parent volunteer Kenia Crespo works with student Sara Melliz in the side-shuffle agility drill. Chapman’s award-winning May Day, Play Day takes place annually on the last Friday in May and is a fitness-day reward after a long school year of testing and hard work. It is a celebration of “fun, fitness, music and ice cream,” says teacher Richard Clay, who has been the May Day, Play Day coordinator for much of its quarter-century history. Parent volunteers were thrilled for the return of May Day, Play Day this year and assisted in helping students with the eight separate games, as well as manning the water stations, Clay says.Student Xyaire Smoot blazes on his baton relay leg during the annual Chapman School May Day, Play Day on May 27Sara Melliz navigates the course in the balance relay like a champ. The fitness day included teams of students taking part in eight events.Madilyn Real refreshes after a morning of fun competition with fellow students.Benjamin Ashley shows his top-notch sprint form. Started in 1995, the May Day, Play Day celebrated its 25th anniversary this year (after cancellation due to COVID the past two years).The annual fitness fun day, which is a reward for a year of testing and classroom work, ends with students treated to ice cream. Guests at the 2022 event were Dr. Emmanuel Annor (served as Chapman principal for six years); Derek Richardson, NBA referee of more than 20 years; and Tenesha WareDaniels, commissioner of the Women’s Drew Pro-Am Basketball League.Lilly Bonilla goes airborne as she shows off her jump rope skills, one of eight events in the May Day, Play Day.After more than 20 years as coordinator, kindergarten teacher Richard Clay is stepping down as the May Day, Play Day leader. When Clay took over as Play Day coordinator in 1996, he turned a routine fitness event into an award-winning, grand celebration of fitness, fun and teamwork.Emily Espinoza pitches a bean bag while teammate Gatsiry Carbajal waits her turn. This event was one of eight May Day, Play Day stations.Victoria Mena is flying on her leg of the football relay. Each of the 32 teams were represented by students of all grades, kindergarten to fifth.
