Seeing The Torch

Seeing The Torch

By Marilyn Brackney, teacher
Columbus, Indiana

  • The picture and story of torch bearer Ryan Schroer.
  • A picture of the torch coming through Columbus, Indiana. Plus, stories written by kids about seeing the torch.
  • More stories written by kids in the 5th grade at Mrs. Harden's class at Lillian Schmitt Elementary School in Columbus, Indiana.

    I just read your entry about the Olympic Torch. It passed through Columbus, Indiana today-just a block up the street from our house. Instead of watching from there, however, I decided to go downtown (just five minutes away) to see the "main event" on the courthouse square.

    Driving downtown was an interesting experience. People knew the torch was on the eastern outskirts of town, because it was being covered by Indianapolis television stations. All along the route to the downtown area, people had brought out lawn chairs or were just standing and waiting. Many had American flags and/or were dressed in red, white, and blue.

    Even though I arrived an hour before the time estimated for the runner's arrival, it was difficult to find a parking place! It seemed that if people were not standing along the route, they were at the courthouse opposite the stage which held the Olympic caldron.

    There were television crews here from Indianapolis (the city which hosted the runners last night) and Louisville, KY (where the torch was to arrive this evening). Television anchors were set up on the courthouse lawn while a helicopter from the NBC affiliate in Indy hovered overhead.

    Kids who attend a downtown elementary school as well as those from a nearby middle school were there. Others were bussed in, and many brought picnic lunches to enjoy at a nearby park after the ceremony.

    The weather was beautiful! No clouds, bright sun, and a slight breeze. It was a very memorable occasion, especially for the two choirs of schoolchildren who performed (and of course the runners).

    As many parents and teachers were telling the kids, "This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!" A few years ago the Pan Am torch came through Columbus, but this is the Olympics!

    Marilyn B.

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    Kate Caldwell and Kari Zander
    Ligon GT Middle School, 706 East Lenoir St.
    Raleigh, North Carolina, 27615