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Swishing hoops, leaping dogs and launching marshmallows entertained an exuberant crowd of more than 3,000 local children attending Education Day on Thursday, Feb. 20 in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville First Community Arena at the Vadalabene Center.

The annual event is sponsored by Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery. It featured the Women’s Basketball team taking on Austin Peay. During timeouts, eager children participated in a marshmallow launching activity led by the SIUE STEM Center. At halftime, the Paramount Performance Pups offered a high-flying performance.

“This is always an exciting event for us, because it features great community engagement with our local schools,” said Chris Wright, assistant athletic director for Annual Fund and Ticketing. “For many kids, this is their first time on a college campus. We are thrilled to offer them a fun visit and hopefully inspire them to want to achieve great things like they saw today.”

Participating schools included Lewis and Clark Junior High, Wolf Branch Middle School, Bernard Long Elementary, Central Intermediate, Collinsville Middle School, East Alton Middle School, North Elementary School, Pathways School, Penniman School, Pontiac Junior High, Trimpe Middle School, and Wirth Parks Middle School.

“Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery is a proud community partner, and we love this great tradition,” said Melissa Erker, director of government and community relations. “Education Day is a great way to connect our local communities with this premier University. Many have not been exposed to a university atmosphere before today. The event also integrates STEM learning, which we find incredibly valuable.”

“This is really fun,” exclaimed Ava Mentzer, a seventh grader from Swansea. “I’m a student-athlete, so it has been really exciting for me to watch.”

Mentzer and her friend Annabel Seneczyn were among the students participating in the SIUE STEM Center’s marshmallow launching activity. The interactive experience mimicked some of the science involved in the basketball game, like trajectory, aiming, and the need to balance force and precision.

“I enjoyed watching the game and doing the STEM activities,” Mentzer said. 

Lewis and Clark Junior High Principal Radena Lemmon emphasized the students’ excitement to experience a college atmosphere.

“It is exciting for the students to see the SIUE facilities and a game at this high level,” Lemmon said. “The way this event incorporates STEM learning is great. Our school is thankful to have been included.”

The Cougars were edged out 79-62 by Austin Peay. But, the energized fans left with a great new memory having been made, and each student and teacher in attendance went home with a free t-shirt.

Photo: Local students cheer on the SIUE Women’s Basketball team during a special Education Day event.