Despite the overwhelming odds, Central fourth graders pulled off the win. [Photos by Elizabeth Jamison]

On Friday, approximately 125 Central School fourth graders went head-to-head against just under 20 first responders from the Kewanee Police Department, Henry County Sheriff’s Office and the Kewanee Fire Department, in a dodgeball tournament at the Steamer’s gym.

First responders prepare to return volley. Participating in the dogeball tourney were the Kewanee Police Department, the Kewanee Fire Department and the Henry County Sheriff’s Office.

Last year, the students and first responders battled it out in a game of kickball, with the kids taking home the victory. This year’s game was dodgeball, and next year’s game is in the works. Organizers hope to make this a tradition and bring these games back every year.

Shown, one first responder is pelted with balls launched by students.

Tim Bryner, Kewanee police officer and school resource officer, said activities like the dodgeball game help students build positive relationships with law enforcement and feel comfortable around them. Officers also do community outreach for area youth teaching them things such as bike safety and stranger danger. Law enforcement officers want to be mentors to the students and have them look up to them, said Bryner.

Officer Bryner said that he believes he’s done a good job so far in creating a safe space for children and has built a good relationship between the kids and law enforcement.

Students size up their competition as they prepare to take down an opponent.

“The students feel comfortable to come talk with me about anything, and there’s never any issues,” said Bryner.

During the tournament, the students showed camaraderie with the first responders in classic-kid fashion by teasing them, chanting “you are cooked” before the dodgeball tournament started. The classes also cheered each other on, chanting “Let’s go fourth grade!”

Fourth graders from Central pose with their first responder opponents for the dodgeball tournament. Plans are already afoot for another event next year.

Even the teachers and staff joined forces with law enforcement for the final game, turning the match into an all‑out showdown. But despite their best efforts, they were no match for the fourth graders, who claimed victory and took home the 3D‑printed trophy crafted by Officer Bryner.