Students Endure 'Trial By Fire' Fitness Challenge With A Smile

CROSS RIVER, NY — Students will sometimes question whether or not they will ever use their lessons in the real world, but after being put to the test, these John Jay students will likely never question the importance of a physical education.

From Katonah-Lewisboro School District.

The scoreboard buzzer kicks off the action—but instead of a tipoff, groups of students scramble to put on fire fighters’ gear.

In one group, Grant Vialardi, John Jay Class of 2023 and an EMT with Vista Fire Department, guides students through the technique of stepping into boots then pulling up the pants. Classmates help senior Megan Flynn hoist the oxygen tank onto her back; Vialardi snaps on her helmet. She picks up a water can, turns towards the bleachers, and starts towards the top. Altogether, the gear weighs about 65 pounds.

This is Trial by Fire, an innovative obstacle course brought to John Jay High School’s physical education classes on April 24 and 25 by the fire departments that serve the Katonah-Lewisboro School District community.

"We want to expose the students to what firefighters do," said Laurie DeRosa, a captain with the Katonah Fire Department. Trial by Fire was her idea; it garnered enthusiastic buy in from the Katonah, Vista, Goldens Bridge and South Salem Fire Departments.

More than 15 firefighters volunteered for the event, including South Salem Fire Department Assistant Chief Matte Yorke, Katonah Fire Department President and Ex-Chief Dean Pappas and Goldens Bridge Fire Department Lieutenant Saurabh Mehta. Many were Katonah-Lewisboro Schools’ alumni and parents. Four of the firefighters—seniors James McHugh and Joey Archina, junior John Becker and freshman Austin Llewellyn—were John Jay students.

"Students are able to become junior members of a fire department at age 16, or at 14 through the Scouts’ Venturing program," said Austin’s dad, Andrew Llewellyn, who is Ex-Chief of the South Salem Fire Department as well as Sergeant with the Lewisboro Police Department.

Captain DeRosa, a teacher by training and the assistant modified girls lacrosse coach for John Jay Middle School, introduced the program to each PE class. "It’s going to be chaotic in here," she said. "That’s what it’s like at a fire."

"Fire doubles every thirty seconds," Captain DeRosa said to the students, when introducing Don and Doff, the relay race which requires each student to put on firefighters’ gear and walk to the top of the bleachers. "Speed is important … but, what do we always say?" She turned to the semi-circle of fire fighters behind her.

"Slow is smooth and smooth is fast," they said in unison, emphasizing the importance of accuracy, consistency and a controlled pace.

Trial by Fire also included dragging weighted dummies across the gym floor and using portable radios to transmit clear descriptions of a scene to teammates across the room.

Assistant Athletic Director Steve DelMoro watched the students laugh and compete against each other. "This is great," he said. "This is what we do; we stress functional fitness—training for real-life activities. It’s also an awesome opportunity to connect with our community."

Principal Steven Siciliano stopped by to see the program. "This is the most authentic PE class that you could have," he said. "And it’s wonderful to see our alumni doing good things in the community."

Beyond being a physical challenge for students, Trial by Fire filled the gym with the good feelings of community service, connections between neighbors and John Jay pride.

Davide Palmarini, John Jay class of 1994 and member of the Katonah Fire Department, was helping at the radio communications challenge. In between groups of students, he looked up at the banners lining the gym ceiling, searching for the year that his soccer team was a contender for the conference championship. "It’s nice to be back," he said.