“Oh Great and Glorious Gods of Olympus, We, the chosen champions of City of Fountains, stand before you dauntless and gallant. We present ourselves honest and heroic, in honor of these games and in your name..” These words rolled off of the tongues of our nine 5/6 graders, as they moved in unison, transitioning from one formation to the next, with utter grace and intention. Their foot steps, like soldiers’, resonated off of the gymnasium walls and kept pace for the onlookers enthralled hearts, as they sat astute with anticipation at what formation would emerge from the students next. Each student stepped forward with upright, level shoulders as they balanced both confidence and humility. Their echoing chorus of voices sounded the declaration of freedom from pride and arrogance, and the proclamation of good will toward all.

In the sea of white linen and cotton, that at that moment rested upon shoulders carrying intent as pure as the driven snow, the gods and goddesses joined in on spectating, as they were given homage and gratitude for the gifts they’d given each student. Various virtues were graciously accepted through physical and oral demonstrations, as each student expressed their gratitude. “Oh great and glorious gods of Olympus, allow us to cater to you an experience of delight and satisfaction, and may your appetite be satiated. Through our focus, grace, strength, and determination may our loyalty and devotion to you be demonstrated. And, above all else may the land, your hearts, and the hearts of all men and women be permeated with our deepest gratitude.” Upon speaking these words, the games began.

Our students were joined by 5 other Waldorf schools in Austin, Texas and to start off they all gathered into one unified group of around 72 students total. After bonding over various artistic endeavors, all of the students were then divided up into six city-states, each adorned in white attire with vibrant colored sashes representing their allegiances. Throughout the games, all of the students displayed their physical abilities in 5 events: long jump, running relays, Greek wrestling, discus, and javelin. However, this was more than just a series of athletic contests; it was a journey of self-discovery and collective celebration. Our students embraced the opportunity to embody the hero within themselves, and in doing so, they also honored the rich cultural heritage of ancient Greece.

In each of the 5 events, every single one of the 9 students put their best foot forward, and relied on their recollection of skills gained during months of training. The intention, and both their artistry and mastery, shone through clearly in each of their movements. “Behold as we demonstrate our control and grace as we launch the javelin long and straight..” and that they did, with each throw the javelin soared through the sky fueled by the wisdom and skill of Athena. All spectators watched the discus “through the air soar as they threw it with the strength of the Minotaur”. All onlookers took heed to “clear the way, when as fast as they may, the students came together to lead in the chariot race and relay”. All of the observers kept their “weather eye to the sky as the students jumped and took flight, as glorious as a phoenix alight”. And, in wrestling, the witnesses “focused and awed at the students’ fleetness of foot, at their firmness and force, as they faced their opponents and maintained a golden circle”.

Throughout the 5 events, there were also heartfelt odes presented by each student. In these well thought out collections of poetic words, the students spoke on seeking qualities such as courage, strength, grace, and agility. They also payed homage to specific Gods and Goddesses. Most importantly, though, they wished for the goodwill of all participants, and, that is exactly what was achieved. Whether it was through the intentional way of scoring as a whole unified group, or through the ceremonial combining of sacred water from each school’s locale, or through teaching them other important lessons in other ways, at this crucial stage of development, the students definitely came away with feelings of unity, camaraderie, and a deep sense of good sportsmanship.

Typically around the age of 11-12 children are at their most elegant point as a child, the precipice of childhood if you will, the moment at the tipping point before important and significant changes and shifts are about to take place toward the birth of one’s individuality. Children of this age have the culmination of their abilities as a child at their fingertips, and they still carry with them a very innocent, playful, and curious spirit. This is a time before the children begin to experience the end of their own childhood, the oncoming of adulthood; the separation of the tribal self and the becoming of the individual self, which is also distinctly demonstrated by the shifts and changes they experience in their growing bodies. In Waldorf schools, one way this transition is marked is by holding a Greek Pentathlon. The Pentathlon is not a right of passage, but rather a celebration of childhood, and it brings the child a grand opportunity to experience the playful yet reverent and unified tribal self in a profound way to help celebrate what is, what has been, and to prepare them for what is to come.

As educators, to witness the profound growth and gaining of these lessons, and to also witness our students immerse themselves into the rich culture of Ancient Greece, was truly inspiring. It was very clear to see that the experience was vital to the students healthy development and had a profound positive effect on each child. Those of you who know me are well aware that honoring this event for our students has been a dream of mine for years, and it was deeply moving to finally see it come to fruition, and to be able to witness the positive impact it had on each child.

This opportunity wouldn’t have been possible without many incredible members of this community! Fellow faculty and I extend our deepest gratitude to all who helped to foster and support this enriching experience for the children. We look forward to showcasing some of the student performances at May Fest, and even more so, we look forward to continuing this tradition for years to come.

“And, above all else, may the land, your hearts, and the hearts of all men and women be permeated with our deepest gratitude.”