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HAMILTON — Hula hoops, train wrecks and trekking brought Wilson Middle School students a little closer on Thursday.

A character program spearheaded by Wilson and Garfield middle school educators, Brad Watkins and Nate Moore, is teaching students about compromise, the importance of team work and getting along with others.

Teamwork was the only way students could get six-foot trekker skis across the finish line. At first there was some confusion about who should lead and how the rest should follow. By the end of the race, most teams were calling out the command to "go" in unison and walking in stride.

"I learned a lot of team work skills in this short period," said Ali Hoskins, an eighth grader at Wilson.

One of the activities at the Thursday, May 8, character day — Train Wreck — is similar to musical chairs except there is no music.

"I've learned I have a lot more in common with my classmates that I wouldn't have known otherwise," Hoskins said.

Activities were modeled after Character Days held at Hamilton High School, an initiative lead by Jim Place, Watkins said. Students were assigned to groups, which gave eighth-grader Tyler Johnson a chance to meet new people.

"It's giving our school diversity ... and helps people get along better," Johnson said.

Organizers said the character day activities were created for middle-school students to prepare them for similar initiatives at the freshman and high school.

Students and teachers have been positive about the program, Watkins said.

"Hopefully we will be able to instill in students the importance of opening up to people and having the right character because it is the right thing," he said. "The need for acceptance is there and the kids want it ... and this will ultimately make a better community."

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2158 or lebbing@coxohio.com.

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