Sunshine, laughter and spirited competition filled the air at Holland Intermediate School on May 22, as fifth grade students celebrated their final Field Day of the school year—an event made all the more memorable by a very special milestone. This year’s Field Day marked the last one for Mrs. Diane Brown, a cherished member of the Holland Intermediate staff who will retire at the end of the school year.
Field Day is a favorite tradition at Holland Intermediate, offering students a morning filled with high-energy games, teamwork and fun. From classic relay races to exciting new challenges, the event provided a chance for students to bond, celebrate the close of a successful school year and simply enjoy being kids.
This year’s celebration was elevated by the creativity and care of the Holland Intermediate Parent Club, whose members poured their hearts into making the day unforgettable— not only for students but also for Brown. In a heartfelt surprise, the Parent Club designed and provided custom Field Day T-shirts for every fifth grader, featuring a commemorative design honoring Brown’s retirement. The shirts were kept a secret until the morning of the event to ensure a joyful surprise.
Adding to the sentiment, students had the opportunity to sign a one-of-a-kind tribute poster featuring a custom illustration of Brown, lovingly drawn by former Holland art teacher Mrs. Sutherland. These thoughtful gestures were a moving reminder of the deep bonds between Holland staff, students and families.
The morning was filled with many highlights, but the crowd favorite was undoubtedly the tug-of-war competition. The energy was electric as students gave it their all— so much so that it felt like a state championship. Whether competing or cheering from the sidelines, the joy and enthusiasm were unmistakable.
“We truly couldn’t have done it without the tireless efforts of our Parent Club,” said Mrs. Allison Bollinger, a key organizer of the event. “From coordinating logistics to designing shirts, their dedication made this year’s Field Day one for the history books.”
Special thanks goes to Mrs. Shannon Polz, Parent Club president, for keeping the school community informed amid unpredictable weather. Thankfully, the sun broke through just in time to provide a beautiful, crisp morning for the festivities.
As Polz’s own daughter prepares to transition to Springfield Middle School, she will be joining Mrs. Michelle North as a parent club leader at the next level. Meanwhile, Mrs. Bollinger will take on the role of Parent Club President at Holland Intermediate for the 2025–26 school year.
To all the parent volunteers, staff and community members who made this day possible— thank you for your unwavering support and joyful spirit.
We wish our fourth and fifth graders a happy, restful summer and look forward to celebrating our fifth grade class once more during the fifth grade recognition day on Wednesday, May 28, from 9 to 10 a.m., at the Springfield auditorium.
Happy (almost) summer, Holland Intermediate.
