First CORE Day held in Redfield inspires students to live with character, resilience and excellence

 First CORE Day held in Redfield inspires students to live with character, resilience and excellence

By Shiloh Appel
  It is just after 8:30 a.m. on Friday, September 13th, 2019. It is CORE Day in Redfield. The music intensifies as Eddie Slowikowski describes passing his opponents in the most exhilarating race of his life, waving his arms in animation. The Ken Greeno building, full of middle school/high school students and teachers is silent except for Slowikowski’s voice and the music coming from his speakers. Students sit on the edge of their seats anticipating the next turn in Slowikowski’s story. Finally, the music comes to a climax and an abrupt stop as Slowikowski says he finished the mile in three minutes and 58 seconds.

  Friday was the first CORE Day held at Redfield School. CORE is an acronym for Character, Open to Opportunity, Resilience and Excellence. Middle school and high school principal, Kendra Becker, came up with the acronym, and Spink County Coalition leaders, students, and other volunteers all helped hatch the plan for the day, which came together over several months. All classes were called off for middle school and high school students on Friday. The entire day was dedicated to giving the students an opportunity to hear dynamic speakers on topics ranging from suicide awareness and prevention to teamwork and career choices.
  Slowikowski, a former NCAA All-American runner who represented the U.S. at the 1987 Pan Am games and the 1992 Olympic Trials and was a USA Gold Medal winner at the international competition in London, England was one of the nationally-known speakers that engaged the students during CORE Day. During his speech, “The Four-Minute Formula” Slowikowski began with a description of his well-know 1990 race at Madison Square Garden, where he ran the fastest college indoor mile that year. He went on to encourage those in attendance to break the mold, become inspired, and dare to imagine what is possible, citing the Willy Wonka song “Pure Imagination,” and giving examples from his own life. His high-energy presentation was not complete without his signature dance moves, which he taught to all in attendance.
“Eddie was the best speaker that we have had. His speech was so inspirational. Eddie taught me to have hope in things I didn't think I can do. It was worth every minute of my day,” said Redfield High School student, Justice Baloun.
“Eddie was an amazing speaker! He touched everyone's heart,” said Redfield student, Denae Paulsen.
“I was really impressed with how he kept all of the students involved in his talk. They really seemed to get a lot out of what he was saying and they had a great time with the activities he had them do. It was a lot of fun to watch and participate in,” said Redfield school teacher, Mrs. Emily White.
   Another nationally-known speaker that led a breakout session during the day was Rick Birt, the CEO and president of Students Against Destructive Decisions. Birt spoke to the students on the topic of leadership. Along with Birt, other speakers included Steph Kinnander, prevention coordinator for Northeast Prevention Resource Center (on the topic of vaping prevention); Joelle Schuknecht, SD Highway Patrol trooper (on the topic of safe driving); Mallory Kloucek, of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (on the topic of mental health stigma);  Matt Walz, of the Keystone Recovery Center and Jason Foundation (on the topic of addiction); Amanda Boomsma, a counselor and mental health advocate (on the topic of the ‘positive power of self-image’); Marilyn Carging, of National Alliance on Mental Illness (on the topic of suicide prevention and awareness); Gia Lantero of Grow Spink (on the topic of career choices); and Shelly Fuller, a social worker for the Huron School District (on the topic of adverse childhood experiences).
   In the late morning and afternoon, students were able to choose which topics they were interested in by attending breakout sessions. The day ended with a parent/student dinner from 5:30 to 7p.m. during which Slowikowski shared a presentation titled “The Power of Your Story” with the 90 parents and students in attendance. The dinner was followed by a dance, dodge ball, and other activities until 10p.m.
"I really enjoyed this experience of CORE day because it was definitely a big risk, but it was well worth it. Eddie and Rick did an amazing job speaking to our school and they helped us all have a new perspective on life. It was a very fun day and I hope we are able to do it again in the future!" said Redfield student, Reagan Nelson.