As students are soaking up all the festive vibes and anticipating the upcoming holidays, it is not that difficult to forget the kind and well hearted meaning of this time of year.

Student Government (StuGo) along with National Honors Society (NHS)  do not neglect the difficult times some families could be facing at this time.

The annual Smiles for the Season event was held on Wed. Dec. 7. A day of fun, games and volunteering with cheerful spirits all around. It consisted of many activities for kids who do not typically have the resources to have a Christmas, or other celebration, the way most students are used to.

With cookie decorating, a blow up for kids to hop around in, and a special visit from the big jolly guy himself, they even had fake snow for the little ones to slide down. Smiles were found all around and the kids even got to dance with Moveo. “It was a lot of fun I would do it again in a heartbeat, all of the kids really liked the dance and they were super excited to see us.” said Sophomore Moveo dancer Naomi Pastrick              .

For the teenagers, they have a chance to remember that this time is for spreading cheer and giving a helping hand out to those who are reading out.  Principal Dan Serrano explains, “I think it shows our kids here that there’s families in our community that are struggling and so you reach out and help people, so yea that’s good”. Serrano agrees this event helps unify Perry in some ways, making an impact on students is an important part of shaping them in this young age. Keeping them humble and grounded, just waiting for the next opportunity to help.

The awareness of financial struggles affecting families in our community spreads to not only students but parents and other communal members. Students come home thankful for the privileges they have, and feeling pride in helping make sure other children and parents feel the same season joy. Maybe there is something in the eggnog here, whatever it is, our jolly times and merry measures are just begging for this holiday season.