V-O on Skates
V-O on Skates, an all-school event, commemorates Winchester’s Maribel Vinson-Owen and her daughters, Maribel and Laurence. They were members of the U.S. Figure Skating Team and died in a plane crash en route to the 1961 World Championships.
Maribel Vinson-Owen was not only an amazing figure skater and coach, but she was also a pioneer for human rights. She coached Mabel Fairbanks who went on to pave the way for future African American figure skaters. During February, students learn about the Vinson-Owen family, and then as a tradition, celebrate the Vinson-Owens by being together at the ice skating rink.
This is a fun day that students and staff look forward to year after year! Come volunteer and be a part of this very exciting tradition. Volunteers can assist children with skating gear, help rent skates, if needed, and encourage them to be safe on the ice. Volunteers can also assist the chairperson with the duties listed below.
Leadership for V-O on Skates
The V-O on Skates Co-Chairs coordinate the associated Field Trip to Flynn Rink. Duties include reserving the rink and buses, confirming the bus schedule, distributing the permission slip and waiver, arranging classroom seating at the rink, coordinating refreshments and requesting Newsletter submissions. Historically, the field trip has tatken place the Friday before February Vacation.
Jennifer Perry
Chris Aronis
Matt Vittiglio