PIERCETON — Pierceton Woods Academy held their annual “Freedom Friday” celebration on Friday, June 30. This is a day of activities, fellowship and delicious food for the young men who reside at the facility. The morning was filled with individual field day activities like Frisbee toss, a punt and pass competition, corn hole and a frisbee toss. Team activities including football and basketball were played in the afternoon.

The staff at Pierceton Woods Academy provide as many activities as possible for the young men who live at this facility. Due to their troubled past and lack of a stable home life, the young men haven’t been able to experience a typical childhood that includes organized sports or attending a public school where they would enjoy “field day” like this one. Part of their treatment program at PWA includes a structured and safe environment to complete year-round school, learn the social skills they lack, and learn valuable life lessons to position them for a healthy and successful future. Participating in Freedom Friday allows them a time to practice the skills they’ve learned while having fun with their peers.

One of the highlights of the day, is the delicious lunch provided by Rev. Harold Graham, the on-campus chaplain. Harold spends the morning grilling barbeque chicken with his locally revered barbeque sauce.

An award ceremony is held in the afternoon to celebrate the winners of the activities and to reflect on the day. A sportsmanship and leadership award are among the coveted awards.

Vice President of Residential Services, Joseph Gough states “Freedom Friday is a great opportunity for the kids to be kids and for all of us to enjoy a time of food, fun, and camaraderie.”

Lifeline Youth & Family Services and Pierceton Woods Academy staff look forward to this day every year and will continue to find ways to make a difference in the lives of those they serve.