Griffiths team wins teen challenge

DOWNEY - A team of Griffiths Middle School students won the Teen Adventure Challenge held last Saturday at Frank Boneli Park in San Dimas.The students, part of Downey's ASPIRE after-school program, beat out other schools in a competition that included running, rock wall-climbing, kayaking, mountain biking and a ropes course. Students were also tested on their teamwork and brain power, with challenges that included a guided blindfold maze, swing rope, puzzles, water chute and more. The Griffiths team included students Ariel Pacheco (sixth grade), Anthony Balbuena (eighth) and Luis Vina (eighth), and site director Albert Perez. They received engraved trophies, $100 prize money and $100 to be donated to the charity of their choice. The competition was similar to TV's "The Amazing Race," in which participants work as a team to complete challenges, receiving a stamp in their passport once the task is completed. Four ASPIRE teams participated from Griffiths, two from West Middle School and two from Sussman. The teams prepped for the competition by participating in teamwork games after school. ASPIRE also arranged for a trainer to come in and work with students and staff by practicing similar activities.

********** Published: April 14, 2011 - Volume 9 - Issue 52