District Administrators Corner

by Loren Glasbrenner,  River Valley School District Administrator  The vast history surrounding the Olympic Games is staggering.  In ancient times, the games were held for only the Greeks in Olympia, a sacred space in the center of their civilization. The original sports included equestrian events, long distance, and what would now be considered track and field events, including javelin and races. Competition and status were at the heart of the games with connections to deities and rituals.  However, in the late 1800’s, the games took on a different structure and started to be more inclusive.  The summer games of 1896 were an international venture with 14 countries represented and medals awarded.  An International Olympic Committee was formed and is the governing body that organizes and continues today (olympics.com/history). In this year’s games, 205 nations are represented by over 11,000 athletes.  Proudly, the State of Wisconsin is well represented as reported by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel newspaper on July 17: • Basketball:  Jrue Holiday, Rae Lin D’Alie, & Khris Middleton • Marathon:  Molly Seidel • Rowing:  Megan Kalmoe, Alie Rusher, Madeline Wanamaker, & Vicky Optiz • Rugby:  Alev Kelter • Sailing: Stephanie Roble • Softball:  Kelsey Harshman • Soccer:  Rose Lavelle • Swimming:  Yigit Aslan, & Phoebe Bacon • Track and Field:  Mohammed Ahmed, Kenny Bednarek, Kelsey Card, Georgia Ellenwood, Ollie Hoare, Morgan McDonald, Alicia Monson, Emily SIsson, & Zach Ziemek • Trapshooting:  Madelynn Bernau • Volleyball:  Lauren Carlini But what is even more impressive is that the River Valley School District offers most of these opportunities and could be the training grounds for future celebrations!  Our school community continues to support and embrace athletics and activities that engage students beyond the classroom.  We are very fortunate.  With connections to great athletes and great traditions, our future is bright.  Though the history of the Olympics includes bribery, controversy, and political unrest, my hope is that the dedication of the athletes will be the highlight. It is a competition and someone will win.  But, each of these athletes represents more than the event and the day of competition.  Each of them comes from a family that supported them and will share in their joy--just like the families that live in The Valley.