Celebrating Cottonwood Creek Elementary: The 2024 ASHG Honored School
Contributed by Jeni McDaniel
We are thrilled to announce that Cottonwood Creek Elementary School in Wasilla has been selected as the 2024 Alaska Scottish Highland Games (ASHG) Honored School! To celebrate this special honor, the Alaskan Scottish Club (ASC) has gifted a ticket to the 2024 Alaska Scottish Highland Games to every student and staff member at Cottonwood Creek.
The excitement began early for Cottonwood Creek Elementary. On the last day of school, some of our incredible Heavy Events Athletes and ASC Board Members visited the school's field day. Not only did they demonstrate the traditional Scottish throwing events, but they also taught the students how to throw, giving them a unique opportunity to experience being Highland Games athletes for a day. It was an unforgettable experience for everyone involved, as the kids enjoyed hands-on learning and participation in these historic sports.
The ASHG Honored School is a community outreach initiative designed to share the rich Scottish culture and the excitement of the Highland Games with local schools. Each year, the ASC selects a different school to be the Honored School, fostering a connection between students and the vibrant traditions of the Scottish Highlands.
The program began in 2023 with Lake Hood Elementary School in Anchorage, AK, as the inaugural Honored School. This initiative has been instrumental in bringing cultural awareness and community spirit to young students, allowing them to experience the unique and thrilling world of the Highland Games.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Cottonwood Creek Elementary School and eagerly anticipate seeing all the students and staff at the 2024 Alaska Scottish Highland Games. This year’s event promises to be spectacular, with a blend of athletic prowess, cultural displays, and family fun. From the awe-inspiring caber toss to the bustling Celtic Marketplace, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
If you’d like your school to be considered for the Honored School in 2025, please email us at ashg@alaskanscottish.org. The ASC is committed to fostering educational and cultural enrichment through this exciting program, and we look forward to partnering with more schools in the future.
Mark Your Calendars! The 2024 Alaska Scottish Highland Games will be held on June 29-30 at the Alaska State Fairgrounds in Palmer. Gates open at 8 AM, with the Opening Ceremonies on Saturday, June 29 at 10 AM. Advanced discounted tickets are available at www.alaskanscottish.org.
Once again, congratulations to Cottonwood Creek Elementary School! We can’t wait to celebrate with you and make lasting memories at the 2024 Alaska Scottish Highland Games.