The founder of Windsor Central Middle School’s annual Up with Life day, now in its 13th year, has a simple goal for the event.

“I tell the kids that if they learn one new thing, it’s a good day,” said teacher Wendy Balachick. 

Limiting their lessons to just one would have been tough for the students who took part in this year’s Up with Life Day.

The day began with a morning assembly featuring speaker Dan Kosick, who had his leg amputated when doctors discovered he had cancer when he was 15 years old. After treatment, Kosick resumed his career as a high school athlete, then became a two-time Paralympian. He currently competes in Tough Mudder races.

“He taught the kids that every obstacle put in front of you is an opportunity to be the best you,” said Windsor Central Middle School Principal Kevin Strahley.

“He taught me that anything is possible,” said 6th grader Linasia Spinelli.

 

 

Students then rotated between a series of workshops. Topics ranged from outdoor skills to financial planning to self-defense and healthy cooking. One particularly impactful workshop was the one led by a panel of college athletes who are also recent Windsor graduates. They spoke to students about life as a collegiate student-athlete.

“Without athletics, I wouldn’t have the friends I have, the time-management skills I have and I wouldn’t know what true hard work is,” said Jordan Barnes, a member of the Slippery Rock Field Hockey team and 2016 Windsor graduate. 

“It literally shapes you. We wouldn’t be who we are without our sports,” said 2016 Windsor graduate Danielle Cary, a member of the East Stroudsburg Women’s Soccer team. 

The students seemed to have taken the lessons to heart.

“I learned that a lot of what it takes is about time. You have to put a lot of work in. It’s not as easy as it looks,” said 7th grader Austin Agati.

“It’s not all about the sports. It’s about academics and time management,” said 7th grader Tyler Sienko.

 

 

Students also enjoyed a demonstration by K-9 officer Bamby and his human partner, Deputy Mike Kelly from the Broome County Sheriff’s Office. The day ended with a concert and one final message from Mr. Strahley.

“I sincerely hope you took something out of this day that will inspire you for the rest of your life,” said Mr. Strahley.