They’ve Got the World on a String

The teachers at Valerio Street School have found a way to turn contraband to good use. “We’ve caught so many kids lately sneaking yo-yos on campus,” said faculty member Franchesca Rochetti, “so we figured, why not have an event where they can use them openly?”

On Monday, the school held its first yo-yo contest, and about 100 pupils turned out to compete in five categories.

Freddy Garcia, 10, showed off his “Rock the Baby” trick, which involves rocking the yo-yo back and forth through a triangle created from its own string.

“It’s pretty easy,” Freddy said. “I think I’m going to win this one.”

The other categories were “Around the World,” “Walk the Dog,” “Elevator” and “Crawler.”

Luis Padilla, 10, did a great “Walk the Dog,” in which the yo-yo is spun on the floor with the string extended. Judges Briant Freeman and Jennifer Ibarra, both 10, took serious notes.

Each gave Luis a 7--the highest score recorded in that event--out of a possible 10.

“There were a lot of pretty good ones,” Jennifer said. “But no one did a perfect 10.”

Each competitor entered one event and members of the Student Council served as judges. Winners, who will be announced next week, will each receive a certificate and a yo-yo.