Little Kids Scramble in Egg Hunt

Megan Leonard and Kate McKillip

The Easter Bunny came to Marian High School five days early.

Mr. Tom Baker and the Sociology II classes waited excitedly on Tues. April 6, as more than 50 kindergarteners filed through the quad towards the cafÈ.

At first the children were quiet and shy, but soon they were happily coloring pictures, chattering about those tough kindergarten classes, and playing games. One kindergartener in particular, Bobby, engaged in a heated game of tic-tac-toe with senior Colleen OπDoherty. (Colleen, our condolences on your defeats.)

The reason Baker engaged his Sociology II classes in what could be called åorganized chaosπ was to finish up the projects they have been working on this semester. As part of a study of culture, each senior partnered with a kindergartener from either St. Bernardπs or St. Phillip Neri and wrote a book with him or her as the main character. The book featured any country the senior chose, and could be entertaining, but also had to relate ten facts about that country. When the kindergarteners came, each senior read their story and gave them the book. Both the seniors and their kindergarten partners seemed to enjoy this project. Senior Julia Lampe said, ≥Itπs fun, itπs something out of the ordinary; not to mention a relief from Mr. Bakerπs class. Itπs better than notes!≤

Everyone finished the stories quickly, anxious to get outside to the Easter eggs. It took Baker 15 or 20 minutes to hide almost 200 plastic Easter eggs filled with candy and toys. What amazed some senior partners was how the kindergarteners cleaned up in about five minutes. Oh, the incentive of candy to a 5-year-old.

This event is not just enjoyable for Marian students, but also for the little kids. Mathew, from St. Philip Neri, says his favorite part was ≥the Easter Eggs≤. Each child was only supposed to find eight eggs, but some, uhh, enthusiastic children found a few more. The childrenπs teachers also enjoyed it, saying it was a way to help celebrate Easter. Ms. Maureen Harrington, the kindergarten teacher at St. Phillip Neri, said, ≥They wanted it to happen last week. I got asked every day. [It] helps celebrate the lighter side of Easter, as well as the religious side.≤

All in all, the Soc II classes, the kindergarteners, and the teachers enjoy the opportunity to bridge the generation gap with a festive Easter egg hunt. This is the second year that Marian has reached beyond hunting eggs and writing stories, it enabled students to take a break from class and make new friends.

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