Peabody soccer stars rewarded

PEABODY – Prizes were given out Wednesday afternoon to fourth graders across the city who competed in last month’s Red Ribbon Week soccer challenge.The challenge pinned fourth grade classes from each of the elementary schools against one another in a shoot-out 50 feet away from the goal. Whichever classroom scored the most goals within their school won a miniature soccer ball for each student.The idea came from Peabody Health and Athletic Director Phil Sheridan, who is consistently finding ways to reach out to the youth community and teach them about living a healthy lifestyle without drugs. He contacted Stan McKeen, president of Peabody Youth Soccer, who was more than willing to pitch in.”We like to try to give back to the community,” said McKeen. “Hopefully, at this younger age, kids will be more aware and make good decisions, the right decisions.”Money to purchase the 200 balls awarded came through funds raised by the non-profit during their soccer games.”They have been very generous with us for many years,” said Sheridan, noting the organization’s past donations of bleachers and scoreboards to the high school. “They are a group that understands their importance and what they can do for the community.”Each ball is labeled with the contest slogan, “Life Is a Kick Without Drugs.””Every time you see the ball, it’s going to remind you to say no to drugs,” Sheridan said to the winning students at the McCarthy School, who eagerly accepted their gift.The soccer contest was just one of several organized by Sheridan. Others included a fifth grade essay contest that asked students to imagine how they’d fight the war on drugs as president, and a bumper sticker design contest for middle-schoolers.”We try to do things kids kind of like and gets their attention,” said Sheridan.This year’s winners were Mrs. Walsh’s class at the Brown School; Mrs. Newman’s class at the South School; Mrs. Diachisn’s class from the Welch School; Mrs. Andrade’s class from the West School; Miss Gallugi’s class at the Burke School; Mrs. Reeves’ class at the Carroll School; Mrs. Smith’s class at the Center School; and Mr. Galello’s class at the McCarthy School.