Jennifer Swanson, Science Teacher & Assistant Athletic Director
 

On Wednesday, September 23, the Cristo Rey freshmen class made a virtual visit to the Indian Creek Zoo in Lambertville, Michigan. Guided by Dr. Jason Crean, students were introduced to Puzzles the Giraffe, Jimmy the Ball Python, and a number of other animals that are native to parts of Africa. Freshmen begin their Biology curriculum with a unit on Africa, so this field trip was both fun and educational. Dr. Crean walked around and got up close and personal with the animals you see in these pictures and many others. Students learned about each animal's feeding niche and the many behavioral and physical adaptations that help ensure survival.

When asked what they thought of the field trip one student responded, "Well, it was like going there, but without the bad smells and all the walking around." Student response was overall very positive and we're grateful to Dr. Crean and his team at All Species Education Consulting for making this cool opportunity available to our students while we are learning remotely.

Pictured here are Puzzles the Giraffe, an African Tortoise, a Demoiselle Crowned Crane, and a Zedonk. We learned that the Zedonk is a Zebra and Donkey hybrid. It was previously a pet whose owners could not properly care for him. He now lives at the zoo with the Grants Zebras.

Since mid-August, the 30 members of the Cristo Rey cross-country team have been meeting in our school plaza daily. After temperature checks, masks go on and off they go for their daily run around Harrison Park, and beyond.  As the only sport currently offered, due to social distancing guidelines, Cristo Rey has a record number of participants - a mix of returning runners, who are excited to continue the sport, and new runners, some of whom had their fall sports canceled. For coach and chemistry teacher, Molly Boyle, it has been “a pleasure to watch our runners work hard every day. The team has grown into a family.” 

This past Sunday, Cristo Rey participated in the first of three safe, socially-distanced cross-country meets. Spectators were allowed to watch from designated areas with plenty of space to spread out and safely cheer on the Cristeros, who ran alongside athletes from three other schools in our conference.  Of the 30 Cristo Rey runners, almost half were running in their first cross-country race! Other highlights from the meet include a first-place finish, a senior runner beating her personal best, and the CR fans who came out to cheer on the team. 

Coach Boyle and runners share that the cross-country team has been a successful way for our students to visit with classmates, get some time off the computer screen, and exercise in the great outdoors. Boyle said of the experience, “If you have never attended a cross-country meet on a fall day, you are missing out on a beautiful experience.  Our students run with joy, heart, and determination.  I have cried at most cross-country meets I have attended!”