After-School Programs Provide Enrichment Opportunities for Students

This spring, students in two of Sanford’s AESP programs had a chance to participate in exciting athletic events outside of Sanford.

A group of eleven Lower School students ran a 1.2 mile “Get Youth Moving Marathon” on Saturday, May 10 at the Wilmington Riverfront. Sanford parent Chris Grant coached the 8-week program, which matched each of the students with an adult running buddy. The students who participated were Jaxon Black, Coale Crouch, Cole DiPietro, Reece Dodd, David Goodall, Christian Grant, Park Komacek, Elin McCoy, Nyle Patel, Andrew Timmons, and Alejandro Vargas. The event, sponsored by the Delaware Running Festival, was held the same weekend as the Delaware Marathon, which was run on May 11.

On May 17th, the ASEP Rugby team took part in a “Rookie Rugby” tournament, hosted by the Delaware Rugby Foundation. Eight Sanford students--Owen Andreasen, Andrew Bond, Tobias Coker, Melissa Daniels, Catherine Gluodenis, Michael Marshall, Kyle Wahl, and Mae Watson--formed the Sanford squad. The team played three games, beating Serviam Academy and falling to St. Edmond’s Academy I and Smyrna Middle School II (the latter team went on to play in the championship game). Since coach Andy Newcombe was one of the tournament organizers, Sanford parent Bob Watson filled in to coach from the sidelines.

Though the Sanford team skewed younger than most of the other teams (with players in grades 4-6 rather than 6-8), its performance marked a significant improvement from last year’s tournament. The team scored a “try”--a rugby touchdown--in each of its three games.

All students involved improved their skills and had a great time. Congrats to our ASEP students on their achievements!