By Nicholas Brown
Staff Writer

Liz Wong runs the course, a scaled down replica of a former Hooksett Fire Department training course. (The Hookett Banner/Nicholas Brown)

Cawley Middle School eighth-graders were all fired up on Friday, Oct. 27, for the 11th annual Firefighters Challenge.

The event is designed to build teamwork while teaching students about fire safety and what it takes to be a firefighter.

But most of all, organizer Sharon McBrearty announced over a megaphone, “Have some fun!”

Eighth-grade homerooms prepared for the event for nearly two weeks, and came up with team identities through uniforms and costumes, mascots, cheers, songs and decorations. Each of those elements and more, including general behavior, were judged by a dedicated panel of unified arts teachers.

Principal Ron Pedro said most of the preparation was done outside of normal academic schedules.

Representatives from each class then took the challenge, racing through an obstacle course modeled after a former Hooksett Fire Department physical agility course.

The event is typically held during National Fire Prevention Week.

“Middle school can be kind of a tough group to get to, so we try to give them something fun to get involved,” said Hooksett firefighter Eric Uitts.

Several Hooksett firefighters volunteered time to help guide students safely through the course.

“It’s a good opportunity for us to get out and interact,” said Uitts.

Pedro said he enjoys how many parents have started attending the event.

“There’s not a lot of opportunity in middle school, outside of sporting events, for parents to come here and see some of what’s going on,” he said.

About 30 parents showed up to cheer on the students.

“It’s good to see,” said Pedro.

McBrearty, a physical education instructor instrumental in kicking off the event more than 10 years ago, credited the homeroom teachers for making it all work.

“It really allows everyone to have a true working together experience,” she said, “all for a good cause.”