Students at Blennerhassett Middle School participated in a tug-of-war match Friday as the school held their Olympic events. The last day of classes for students in Wood County will be Monday. (Photo by Douglass Huxley)

PARKERSBURG — Schools throughout Wood County held their Field Day and Olympic events Friday as they get closer to the final day for students on Monday.

“It is the best way to end the school year,” Blennerhassett Middle School wellness teacher Stephanie Litton said. “The kids have fun. They get to hang out with their friends and compete against each other.”

Litton said multiple events featured students representing seven countries, with sixth, seventh, and eighth-grade homerooms competing over two exciting days to win the gold medal. She said countries were randomly assigned at the beginning of the year, with representatives drawing names from a hat.

“This has been the most exciting Olympics we’ve had in a few years,” Litton said. “After COVID, we weren’t allowed to do it, and we missed out on one year. I feel like this is the first year we’re truly back to what the Olympics used to be.”

She said the competition isn’t just about the final two days. She said throughout the year, students participated in activities like Penny Wars, building excitement and school spirit.

Jefferson Elementary students Emmy, Layla, and Saige perform a song about the 50 United States Friday at the school’s second annual Talent Show. Students’ last names were not received in time for print. (Photo by Douglass Huxley)

She said for eighth-graders, it’s a special chance to enjoy their final moments together before moving on to high school.

“The eighth-graders especially enjoy this as it’s their last time at the school before moving on,” Litton said.

Jefferson Elementary students held a talent show with students from K-2 showcasing their abilities in the morning and grades 3-5 taking the stage in the afternoon.

“Our Grades 3-5 Talent Show is a celebration of student voice, creativity and confidence,” Jefferson Elementary Principal Tina Lowers said. “It’s an opportunity for our students to shine in front of their peers and families as they close out the school year on a high note. At Jefferson Elementary Center, we’re proud to cultivate a positive school culture where everyone feels seen and supported. Events like this showcase not only our students’ diverse talents but also the commitment of our staff to building meaningful relationships and celebrating the whole child–not just academics.”

Students from Van Devender Middle School also held their final Olympics as the school is scheduled to close after this year.

Jefferson Elementary students Jasmine, Maddie, Briella and Cleora perform a dance to the Lava Chicken song from Minecraft Friday during the school’s second annual Talent Show. Students’ last names were not received in time for print. (Photo by Douglass Huxley)

Douglass Huxley can be reached at dhuxely@newsandsentinel.com

Jefferson Elementary students Noah, Mackenzie and Kamiah perform the Kidz Bop version of “Hot To Go” Friday during the school’s second annual Talent Show. Students’ last names were not received in time for print. (Photo by Douglass Huxley)

Students at Blennerhassett Middle School participated in a tug-of-war match Friday as the school held their Olympic events. The last day of classes for students in Wood County will be Monday. (Photo by Douglass Huxley)

Blennerhassett Middle School students participate in a game of Soccer Stars Friday for the school’s Olympic events. (Photo by Douglass Huxley)

Blennerhassett Middle School students participate in a game of Soccer Stars Friday for the school’s Olympic events. (Photo by Douglass Huxley)

Blennerhassett Middle School eighth-grader Maddie May, left, pins fellow eighth-grader Jansen Dearth during an arm wrestling match Friday as the school held its Olympic events. (Photo by Douglass Huxley)

Blennerhassett Middle School students representing Great Britain celebrate winning gold in the Soccer Stars event Friday during the school’s Olympic events. (Photo by Douglass Huxley)

Students at Van Devender Middle School used paint to leave their handprints on the wall of a hallway during the school’s Olympic events Friday. The school is scheduled to close after this year. (Photo by Douglass Huxley)

Students at Van Devender Middle School played a game of volleyball Friday as the school held its final Olympic events. The school is scheduled to close after this year. (Photo by Douglass Huxley)

Students at Van Devender Middle School played a game of Human Submarine Friday during the school’s final Olympic events. Students worked in pairs where one was blindfolded in the pit with the other giving directions from outside the ring to “hit and sink” other submarines. (Photo by Douglass Huxley)