West Liberty-Salem Elementary students got a taste of Olympic history this week as part of the school’s Winter Olympics-themed Literacy Week.
Former West Liberty-Salem teacher Jeff Cross visited the school to share the story of carrying the Olympic Torch during the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. Cross told students how he and his wife, Amy, were selected through the Olympic Torch Relay nomination process to represent their community and take part in the once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The Olympic Torch Relay is a tradition that carries the Olympic flame across thousands of miles and through communities before the opening ceremony of the Games. During the 2002 relay, more than 11,000 torchbearers helped carry the flame across the United States on its way to Salt Lake City for the Winter Olympics.
Students listened as Cross described what it felt like to be part of such a historic event and the pride he felt representing his community.
The highlight of the visit came when Cross brought the actual torch he carried. Students had the chance to see it up close and even touch a piece of Olympic history.
To wrap up the event, students created their own Olympic-style torches and paraded around the gym, recreating the excitement of the Olympic Torch Relay.
School officials say the visit helped bring literacy week to life while inspiring students with a story about perseverance, community pride, and the Olympic spirit.
