Dear Friends,

On Friday, May 28, St John Central grade school held its annual Field Day at the Irish Youth Sports Complex. It is a day we will all remember!!

Held on the last day of the school year, the Field Day was full of fun events. Inflatable activities for the kids were provided and sponsored by Angelina Stone and Marble, Bellaire Tire, Gulla’s Lunch, Muxie Distributing, and World Gym.

A very special, new St. John Fighting Irish flag was raised. The flag, designed with a logo thought to replicate the original St. John Central logo, was hand-made by Maggie and Joe Kosky. At the end of the day, each student was given a souvenir water bottle complements of Tim Blue of Tim Blue State Farm Ins. Agency. Tim also provided the stage used for the altar at an end-of-the-day mass. Fr. Bradley Greer was gracious enough to brave the heat and conduct the outdoor mass for the students, faculty and families present.

It was a wonderful and appropriate way to end the day – a day that marks yet another event in what will be be many special occasions to be celebrated at the sports complex.

A very special thanks to all of the parent volunteers and the recently-graduated eighth graders who lent a hand running things at the field. And a most-special thank you to the planning committee, without whose hard work, the day would not have been possible: Coach Paul Rose, Cathy Rotilio, Mikki Clegg, Denise Palmer, and Tammy Selmon. Special thanks also to Ryan Donahue who was on hand to man the medical tent.

The day after Field Day, Coach Rose stopped by to check on everything at the field. He called to say that not one thing was out of place at the complex. Not a single cup or candy wrapper littered the field, and there was not even the slightest sign that about 200 men, women and children were at the complex for six hours the day prior. He felt that showed a great sign of pride – pride that our students, parents and staff have in our very own, special place.

The Irish Youth non-profit organization and its founders have worked incredibly hard over the past seven years to raise money to make the dream of having our own sports complex become a reality. Please consider supporting the Irish Youth organization when possible!

Thanks again to everyone who had a hand in making Field Day a huge success. We look forward to seeing everyone at the 2nd Annual Irish Youth Steak Fest on Aug. 21. Keep an eye out for the details. Have a safe and fun summer!

Thank You

and God Bless,

Rick Paolina

Bellaire