“Three, two, one – Hoxsie!”

That was the cheer that Gary McCombs, principal at Hoxsie Elementary School, lead students in, grade by grade, as they braced to get a cooling spray of water courtesy of the Warwick Fire Department last Thursday.

It was the last day of school, and it is tradition for Hoxsie students to celebrate the end of the year by donning bathing suits or shorts and t-shirts to get a refreshing dousing in the school play yard. There were squeals of laughter every time the obliging firefighters turned the hose toward the students while parents and teachers snapped pictures.

“It’s a great way to end the year with an exclamation point,” said McCombs, noting that this year’s high temperatures made the firefighters’ visit even more fun and a welcome relief from the heat for the youngsters. Students didn’t have to get wet, but, with the temperature in the 90’s, almost all opted to get soaked.

“We’re happy to oblige,” said acting Fire Lieutenant Shane Lindell. “This is fun for the students, and we love being involved in events that support the community.” He was joined by firefighters Robert Carlow Jr. and Kevin Scribner.

“The kids look forward to this every year,” said McCombs who used a small bull horn to give students the Hoxsie cheer and countdown before each dousing. Wearing a button-down casual shirt, he managed to stay relatively dry during the celebration.

After getting splashed, students were treated to flavored ice pops before they began packing up their lunch bags and book bags for one last time.

Just as firefighters were leaving, it was time for dismissal (a little early because of the heat) and McCombs, bullhorn still in hand, helped direct cars and buses as parents and students gleefully waved good-bye, shouting, “See you next year!”