Avenue A on a roll

Middle and high school students of all skill levels and abilities participated in a free roller skating class on Thursday at the Great Brook School gym in Antrim.

The event was put on by Avenue A Teen & Community Center – a community initiative that serves teens in the Monadnock Region – in partnership with the Monadnock Roller Derby.

During the session, Vice President & Events/Fundraising Chair for the Monadnock Roller Derby, Jocelyn Drew, whose roller derby name is “Cowplow”, taught the basics of skating skills, which included transitions, backward skating, footwork, stops and jumps.

President of the Mondadnock Roller Derby Jess Gerrior, who goes by the name “Jessicutioner” while skating, said the free class is a way to get more juniors involved in the sport.

“It’s easier to get a team together when they have gained some confidence as a younger skater,” Gerrior said.

And while she is concerned with the longevity of the sport, she said the lessons derived from roller derby extend well beyond skating for these kids.

“It’s about confidence, teamwork and learning to deal with challenges,” she said. “For example, we teach using your edges. Literally you are using the edges of your skates, but metaphorically it’s about going to the edge, pushing the limit and sometimes failing. Don’t be afraid to fail. Don’t be afraid to fall.”

Gerrior’s daughter Maggie, or “Minx”, 12, said she likes the sport because it “makes me stronger.”

The groups will host another free skating event on Sept. 15 and 22 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Abby Kessler can be reached at 924-7172, ext. 234 or akessler@ledgertranscript.com.