By: Abigale Paterniti, Co-Editor-in-Chief
As the holiday season is in full swing, students are eager to give back to their community, spreading appreciation and gratitude.
From hand-made cards, wrapped gifts, and favorite candies, each student has a special way of expressing their thanks. In one case, students and parents were asked to deliver sweet treats with the ingredients clearly listed for the teachers’ lounge on Monday, December 15th. The turnout was thrilling, with an array of treats spread across the festive tables. Baking is an easy example of giving back; the smallest gestures, like a card or even a smile, can be the best received gifts.
“I gave mugs filled with chocolates for my teachers and counselor,” says Sophie Chudnosky. “The ‘gift giving’ feeling definitely made me feel happy since it’s so nice to show appreciation to my teachers.”
Sophie has given teacher gifts every year since she was a freshman. She feels that it’s nice to get to do something for her teachers instead of always the other way around.
Some students take gift giving to the next level, with elaborate gift bags and matching tissue paper, even special “burr-baskets” following the popular internet trend. Others take this time of the year to show gratitude toward their school friends.
After spending the previous evening at a friend’s holiday party, senior Emily Jones remarked, “It’s always a good time and has been a yearly tradition I’m so grateful to be a part of.”
Beyond River Hill, there is a whole community looking for support and love this holiday season. Rebekah Santos, a senior at River Hill, understands how important gift giving can be, especially for those less fortunate. Toys for Tots is a program run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve that distributes toys to children whose parents cannot afford to buy them. Rebekah has participated in the program for twelve years, watching it grow in popularity and become a pillar of the community.
“My message to the community is if you have the opportunity and privilege to do something to help others, then do it. It doesn’t have to be money, and it doesn’t even need to be toys or other materialistic things, but donating your time can make a world of difference to someone else,” says Rebekah.