As the holiday season comes around, the citizens of Amherst come together to celebrate. This includes the Amherst High School students as well.
This year, the student council is venturing to bring the Christmas Spirit into the school through a variety of activities. As student council leader, Crystal Prescher, says, these things, “keep kids involved in activities and school spirit during the lull in winter.”
The student council has already started their first project: the Angel Tree. Partnered with the Salvation Army, the tree provides Christmas gifts to those in need. Students can choose a paper ornament off the tree, then shop for the items listed. After they complete their shopping, the high schoolers can donate their gifts into the bins located next to the tree.
Students agree that this Angel Tree is a great way to spread joy throughout their community. Freshman Jackson Helgemo says, “I think it’s useful because you’re helping out those who might not have access to everything.”
Student council accepted donations for the Angel Tree through December 12. Prescher hopes to fulfill the donations for all ornaments on the tree this year.
The next step in celebrating the holidays is planning fun activities for the students. During the week of December 16-20, all High School students will be invited to follow the dress up days and attend the pep rallies during fifth hour.
Through Monday and Friday the dress up days will be as follows: Ugly Sweater and Christmas Socks, Christmas Lights (Upper class men: Red, Lower-class men: Green), Christmas Movie Character, Frostbite (Upper class men: White, Lower class men: Blue), and Night Before Christmas. More information can be found through announcements and posters as Christmas comes closer.
During fifth hour, all the High School students and teachers will file into the gym for a pep rally each day on the week before Christmas break. Everyone will have the chance to go down from the bleachers and participate in fun games and challenges. Some of these challenges include a couple relay, mattress race, balloon relay, and more. Prescher says that these games have went well in the past. “They have a lot of fun with it,” she says, “the kids really get into the games at the Christmas pep rally.”
Overall, the Amherst High School students can show their Christmas and school spirit throughout the month of December with something that has zero cost. The Amherst School District is encouraging everyone to spread kindness and treat others with respect this year.
