LITTLE FALLS, NY — Benton Hall Academy Elementary buzzed with excitement Friday morning as students participated in High Five Friday, a beloved tradition that brought together the Mohawk Valley Diamond Dawgs and members of the Ready 4 Kindergarten Program.
The event, a vibrant celebration of community and school spirit, saw students exchanging high-fives with local athletes and community members, fostering a sense of connection and enthusiasm.
Principal Joe Long expressed his gratitude for the event, crediting Tracy Young for its success. “We love High Five Friday. Thanks to Mrs. Young for doing this for us and the community. It’s fantastic,” Long said.
“Getting the community and other organizations involved is just a great thing. The kids love it.”
The Ready 4 Kindergarten Program played a key role in the event, with representatives engaging with students and families.
Amy Bladek, a program coordinator, explained their mission to support school readiness across Herkimer County. “We work with families in school districts and community programs to help students prepare for kindergarten,” Bladek said.
The program, which includes Family School Navigators in districts like Dolgeville, Little Falls, Central Valley, Camden, Herkimer, and Utica, assists with preschool and kindergarten registration, library programs, and acclimating families to the school environment.
Bladek noted that the program is expanding to additional districts, embedding navigators in schools to build comfort and readiness among families.
Tracy Young, the driving force behind High Five Friday, shared the event’s origins and impact. “I saw it on Facebook a few years ago and wanted to replicate it,” Young said.
Each year, she coordinates with high school sports teams and clubs to visit the elementary school, where they greet students with high-fives. “They get here about 7:40, and some kids, especially three-sport athletes or National Honor Society members, know exactly what to do now,” she added.
On half days, community members step in, including local authors, artists, and representatives from City Hall, the Police Department, and the Fire Department. “It’s a great community-wide thing, and the kids really enjoy it,” Young said, affirming her commitment to continuing the tradition.
High Five Friday at Benton Hall Academy Elementary exemplifies the power of community collaboration, uniting students, educators, athletes, and local leaders in a joyful start to the day.
As the event continues to grow, it remains a cornerstone of school spirit and togetherness in Little Falls.
Watch the video below, or on YouTube.
