Chants of “USA, USA, USA”  could be heard when the students representing our nation came forward as New Hampton got a taste of the upcoming 2008 Olympics on Friday afternoon, May 9 at the Chickasaw football stadium when the middle school students presented their version of an  “Olympic Celebration”.  The event, attended by elementary classes, teachers, parents and others, included the fanfare and color of the opening ceremonies, with the Parade of Nations and the presentation of countries.  The 2008 Summer Olympics will be held in Beijing, China.
    The celebration honored Karlos McClure, who is leaving after serving as interim superintendent in the New Hampton School District the past three years, to show appreciation for his many years of dedication to education and athletics, as well as his time in New Hampton.
    As the middle school students entered the track at the stadium, the Olympic theme song was played.  The Parade of Nations was led by torch carrier, Sami Geerts.  The purpose of the torch lighting is to unite the world with sports and culture.  The 2008 torch was lit with a special lighter on the top of the world, Mount Everest on May 8.   
    Carrying the Olympic flag were Brandon Schissel, Jayson Holthaus and Mitch Frerichs.  On the flag, the colors of the five rings represent five continents, Australia, Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe, with the white background representing peach throughout the games.  The five rings were carried by Tory Tank (blue), Sabrina Joebgen (yellow), Lindsey Jerdee (black), Kelsey McKeag (green) and Nicole Drewelow (red). 
    Middle School Principal, Donita Landers, attired in an ancient Greek costume, served as Master of Ceremonies for the presentation of countries.  Countries and home rooms included Australia (Sauser), Brazil (Boos), Canada (Monteith), China (Edgar), Czech Republic (Joachim), France (Anderson), Germany (Wolfe), Jamaica (Cannon), Japan (Hugh), Mexico (Olson), Phillippines (Simerson), Russia (O'Connell), South Korea (Timlin), and United States of America (Laures and Moore).
    In preparation for the event, students chose and researched their countries, making signs, flags, posters of products and other pertinent information for which the countries are known.  As the individual countries were called forth by MC Landers, these items were displayed and explained.  Students presenting France included four bicyclists representing the Tour de France; for South Korea, the ancient game of “tanikalang” was demonstrated.  Germany's display included classical music composers  Bach and Beethoven and pretzels!  A Japanese song was sung; many “hellos”, “goodbyes” and other phrases said in native languages.  Musicians in the Canadian group played that country's national anthem “O Canada”.   Brilliant costumes of some countries were shown.
    Students showed their awareness of world situations and happenings.  After the end of their country's display, those carrying the sign for China turned around to show the other side which stated “MADE IN THE USA”, at which time a loud roar of approval from the crowd was let loose!
    Amid cheers, the USA representation came forward.  The  students told of several Olympic gold medal winners from America, including gymnast Mary Lou Retten and wrestler Cael Sanderson.
    As the celebration came to an end, a hush came over the stadium as America's Star Spangled Banner was played, with students and adults alike holding their hand over their heart.
    The theme, “One World, One Dream” stands for the universal values of the Olympic spirit of unity, friendship, progress, harmony, participation and dreams.  Landers told the students that she had attended the 1988 Olympics, how special the games are and through these festivities on Friday, it was hoped that the spirt of the games was brought closer to all in New Hampton, celebrating the talent of young athletes around the world .  She told the students to show their support of the world's athletes by watching the games, as they have dedicated their lives to wellness, leadership and respect of one another.  She challenged the students to do likewise and take pride in all they do.