Jackson Cluster Students Receive Fencing Lessons from Olympic Medalist, Launch New Fencing Program

Lunge…Parry…Riposte…Attack… were just a few of the fencing terms heard during a demonstration to Jackson Cluster students recently when they were visited by Olympic Silver Medalist Tim Morehouse. Morehouse visited several schools to introduce fencing and launch a new pilot program for Atlanta Public Schools students. Maynard H. Jackson High, King Middle, D.H. Stanton and Toomer Elementary schools received an interactive demonstration and training from Morehouse and representatives from Fencing in the Schools (FITS) as part of the pilot program launch.

fencingJackson — Tim Morehouse, founder of Fencing in the Schools, instructs Maynard H. Jackson students how to set up an effective attacking move. Jackson is one of the four schools to pilot a fencing program in physical education this spring.

This opportunity has been made possible through a partnership with Communities in Schools of Atlanta (CIS) and funded by Rick Rieder and his employer, Black Rock, which provides support for CIS to work in the Jackson Cluster. Dick’s Sporting Goods also joined in to donate the fencing equipment.

“We want to expose our kids to new activities that stretch their imagination, minds and bodies,” said Frank Brown, executive director of CIS. “Tim Morehouse asked the students during the launch event to dream big and be prepared for the ups and downs during the journey. We agree totally with his philosophy and we hope this program inspires the next Olympian medal winner from Atlanta.”

JacksonFencing2 — Frank Brown, executive director of Communities in Schools of Atlanta (center) joins Morehouse (far right) and Maynard H. Jackson students for the launch of the fencing program at the school.

Morehouse and his team engaged the students in an assembly, where they got students involved in the action! Afterwards, Morehouse and members of the FITS program trained Physical Education teachers from each school on ways to implement the program in their schools.The four pilot schools will be incorporating fencing into their physical education curriculum this spring. Many students shared that this was an amazing experience.

“Tim’s story was intriguing and the students were fascinated to see fencing in real life,” said Daryl Rice, health and physical education coordinator for APS. “We want our students to have opportunities to experience new sports in PE. Fencing appeals to a wide range of students, from elementary, middle and high school. Everyone has an equal opportunity for success in this sport.”