By Krystal Guillory
Nine Lincoln Parish students participated in the 2024 Games Uniting Mind and Body (GUMBO) competition held April 12 at Louisiana Tech.
Featuring a variety of contests, this track and field event is designed for athletes who are motorically and/or visually impaired. Though GUMBO is indeed competitive, with athletes striving to win in order to advance to the next level of competition, the atmosphere is one of kindness and camaraderie.
“I enjoyed how invigorating and fun it was,” said eighth-grader Passion Augustus. “I don’t usually get to compete in track and field events, and I got the opportunity to run and throw. I want to try the 200-meter next year.”
We are appreciative of our adapted physical education teachers for advertising the event to students and their families and for working hard to motivate everyone to do their best, leading to enthusiasm and enjoyment. We are proud to share that Lincoln Parish students brought home a considerable number of ribbons!
Representing the Hillcrest Hawks were Charity Boney, Nylah Rogers, Seelah Shalibi, and Caelen Roberson. The Ruston Junior High Bearkits were Kaydien Hayes, Passion Augustus, Kayleigh Horst, and Destiny Monk. Amarion Rushing represented the Ruston High Bearcats.
The Hawks had all first-place qualifiers in the following categories: Charity (100 meter and long jump), Caelen (20 meter), Nylah (20 meter), and Seelah (20 meter and long jump). As another athlete tried to pass her, Charity cried “Oh no you don’t,” demonstrating her determined spirit and will to win.
The Bearkits finished strong: Destiny (1st place in 100-meter, 200-meter, 400-meter, discus, shot put, and long jump); Kaydien (1st place in 60 meter); Kayleigh (2nd place in 100-meter, 200-meter, discus, shot put, and long jump); and Passion (1st in 100-meter, shot put, and javelin). “I really like the 200-meter. I’m striving for the 400-meter to be easier next year,” stated Destiny at the conclusion of competition.
Our lone Bearcat, Amarion, brought home 1st place in the 100-meter, 200-meter, 400-meter, discus, and long jump, representing herself and Ruston High School very well.
The process of setting and achieving goals, celebrating victories, and moving past obstacles teaches important life lessons for all students. Training for and participating in GUMBO is a tangible expression of the importance of diligence, perseverance, leadership, and good will. Congratulations to our students!
