First grade joined their Senior Buddies on the Merle-Smith Campus for an egg hunt, read-aloud time, and other special activities.

Our young learners were beaming with joy when they saw their Buddies waiting to greet them outside of the Athletic and Wellness Center. The Class of 2022 picked a sunny spot to read to their Buddy (or have their Buddy read to them); spread out on the lawn to play tag, duck-duck-goose, and other games; and build with a giant Jenga set before everyone searched the campus for colorful eggs and treats. 

In case there is any doubt that Monday's egg hunt will be a core memory for everyone involved, take a look at the photos in the album above. At one point while taking photos, I asked a group of students to "smile like it's the best day of your life," and someone answered back, "I think it might be." 

Thanks to our seniors for being the best Buddies and mentors our first-graders could ever wish for!