TONAWANDA, NY (WKBW) — It was a big day of fun and learning in the Tonawanda City School District.

National Resilience Trainer Duncan Kirkwood assembled a team of energetic community leaders to engage students of all ages in a day-long event called “Taking Over the Kirkwood District.”

At the heart of the takeover was a list of educational activities that emphasized to students the importance of literacy, resilience and community connection.

“We want them to know that school is a place where you can have fun and be yourself and be celebrated,” said Duncan Kirkwood, director of the Center for Resilience at Villa Maria College. “The teachers do everything they can to help the kids learn and sometimes it’s good to bring in some people like us who can bring some energy, some fun and infuse different types of tactics.”

Tonawanda elementary, middle and high school students participated in the day-long event, which included DJ Krazy T and friends, workshops on how to overcome challenges and succeed, and literacy activities in an ABC boot camp with army themed.