The PTA at Tackan Elementary School in Smithtown worked with the Smithtown High School East Leadership students to present the annual Kindness Games, in support of the ReesSpecht Life Foundation. Students in kindergarten through fifth grade participated in face painting, kickball, tug of war, relay races, hula-hoop competitions and other field day games and activities that promote sportsmanship and kindness.
HSE leadership students, under the direction of adviser Bruce Lepanto, organized, advertised and supervised the Kindness Games events. School community members of all ages, including Tackan alumni, were invited to participate in the free event. The PTA accepted donations for the foundation, and the barbecue raised funds through the sale of food and baked goods. The HSE Leadership Club also accepted donations, created baskets to raffle and sold 50/50 raffle tickets. Proceeds were donated to the ReesSpecht Life Foundation, which was created in memory of Richard (Rees) Edwin-Ehmer Specht, who lost his life at a young age.
Formed by the Specht family, the foundation was established to promote community, compassion and, most importantly, respect in young people through advocacy, awareness, and encouraging acts of kindness and paying it forward. A memorial scholarship was established in honor of Rees. More than $1,400 was raised through this year’s Tackan Kindness Games.
According to Tackan PTA President Bernadette Ackerman, the event serves as the culmination of a building-wide week of activities that focus on how young children can demonstrate kindness.
Photo Caption (applies to all photos): Tackan ES students participated in a variety of field day games and activities that promote teamwork and kindness as part of the school’s Kindness Games, held in conjunction with the PTA and HSE Leadership students to benefit the ReesSpecht Life Foundation.
Photos courtesy of the Smithtown Central School District
