SOAR

	SOAR with the Rockies is an after school club dedicated to having fun. SOAR is sponsored by the Colorado Rockies and run through Denver Parks and Recreation. Members of SOAR participate in a variety of excellent activities. Daily sports include basketball, flag football, capture the flag, floor hockey, soccer, volleyball, softball, tag, silent ball, Henry ball, Detroit basketball, knock out, and more. Each year, SOAR members have the opportunity to play in basketball, flag football, and softball tournaments, competing with SOAR programs from other middle schools. Other activities include homework time, board game tournaments, cooking, art projects, movie days, parties, and holiday crafts. Field trips are another important part of SOAR This year, they have gone to Big Bear Ice Arena, Channel 9 News, and nine of their most deserving members got to go snowshoeing. They will be swimming in March and roller- skating in April.
	Every Monday, our local firefighters from Station 24 visit and play games. SOAR and the Denver Fire Department have joined to form FIREDOGS, a mentorship program. The firefighters donate their time and energy to have fun and show the students that they care. In October, SOAR visited Station 24 for a tour. They had a blast seeing the sleeping quarters, the kitchen, and they even got to climb on the fire truck. Finally, SOAR works to give back to the Merrill community by doing community service. The area between Florida and Mexico on Colorado Boulevard has been adopted by SOAR through a Denver program known as Adopt-a-Spot. Members suit up in safety gear two times a month to collect litter and cover graffiti. Students with eight hours of community service are rewarded each year with an all day ski trip. Best of all, SOAR is FREE. Any Merrill student can join. SOAR meets after school, Monday through Thursday in the lunchroom.