Sherman Elementary students, Dayspring residents celebrate
Third grade students in the Sherman Elementary School leadership team program celebrated with Dayspring residents at the annual spring picnic on Friday, blowing bubbles, singing songs and enjoying a picnic lunch of hot dogs on the grill and all the fixings.
The students earned the outing for good grades and good behavior, Sherman teacher Kevin Stone said.
Students Alaya Carroll, 9, and Jamarcus Bluester, 9, said they liked the event and were glad to help to put smiles on peoples' faces.
'These people have a loving heart'
"I like to spend time and interacting with people and really getting to know people," Alaya said.
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Jamarcus said he likes making the residents' day even better.
"I like to make people feel better," said Jamarcus, who wants to become an artist and a builder. "I think these people have a loving heart and so do we."
'We love our Dayspring community'
Michelle Swank, the director of Dayspring, said the Russell and Mary Gimbel Foundation provided funds for purchase of a new gas grill and new picnic tables at the pavilion.
"We love our Dayspring community," she said of the people who come to the care center.
Her staff was busy having prepared a gigantic bowl of macaroni salad and dessert for everyone.
Stone, who has been a teacher for 34 years, said he and students have not come to Dayspring since about 2020 because of social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Everyone missed the residents, he said.
State Rep. Marilyn John, R-Shelby, and local community leader Doc Stumbo manned the grill.
Good food and superb company
Stumbo and the school helped sponsor the picnic with Dayspring.
Mike Noser, who lives at Dayspring, said the food is always good at the picnic and the company was superb.
"Having all the kids here is nice," he said.
Miss Ohio Lora Current also spent time with students, playing giant Jenga and letting the girls try on her crown. She even did cartwheels with the girls on the lawn on the sunny day.
Stumbo, who is retired from General Motors and Graham Chevrolet, said he likes coming to Dayspring and talking with residents and the kids.
"I like people," he said.
lwhitmir@gannett.com
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Twitter: @LWhitmir
This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Dayspring residents enjoyed hot dogs on the grill and all the fixings.
