As the season of colorful lights and Christmas cheer unfolds, communities worldwide contribute to the festivities in their own unique ways. The weeks leading up to winter break, OHS’s clubs and organizations also play their part through a variety of traditions.
Many larger organizations use this holiday season as an opportunity to give back to the community and those in need. One popular way is through donations. From St. Mary’s Food Bank to Phoenix Children’s Hospital, members give their individual contributions.
“We normally do some kind of drive, whether it’s a food drive, a toy drive, or we’ve also done drives for pet shelters,” said Carrie Anderson, National Honor Society (NHS) advisor and math teacher.
Smaller clubs also take part in these traditions, especially ones pertaining to the theme of their organization. Hoping to spread literacy across the state, the Book Club hosts book drives during the holidays.
“I think the literacy rates in the country are obviously going down lately, and the decline of education is really prominent right now, so we just wanted to give back to kids who are in need of that educational aspect of their life,” said Julia Steere, senior and president of Book Club.
Aside from hosting their winter charity spirit week, STUGO also comes together with the National Honor Society during the holidays. Through programs like Adopt a Family, they share heartfelt gifts to families in need.
“[The district] gives us information about the family, like how many kids they have, what type of gift cards they’re interested in… Then the parents can shop for the kids themselves,” Anderson said.
Numerous organizations at OHS, particularly those in performance arts, take part in individual traditions that lighten the environment and give the members something to look forward to during the holiday season.
“During the Christmas season, we do a tree drive. We order a bunch of trees, and then set up a little festival in the parking lot. We have a bunch of vendors that show up, and we play music while we’re there,” said Jackson Cook, senior and Drum Major.
Through the platform of music, students use their talents to share holiday cheer within their own neighborhoods. Programs like band and choir have events to give back in their own ways.
“I think with concerts and Christmas caroling, I feel like it gives off a big thanks to the community for supporting our choir. Once we do the Christmas caroling, a lot of people try and come to our concerts and I think it’s really nice that we give to them and they get back to us,” said Jeni Carlson, sophomore.
Holding these events temporarily relieves students from their routine organizational activities, broadens the programs, and fosters a tight-knit community.
“Band is such a wonderful activity, and these holiday events help connect it to different aspects of life that it usually doesn’t get to see,” Cook said.
Through these traditions and community events, students take time during the exciting holiday season to reflect on themselves and their values. By contributing to someone else’s festivities, these organizations open eyes to what is truly meaningful.
“Hopefully, it makes students in the organization think about what they do have, or maybe it makes them grateful for what they do have,” Anderson said. “I feel like a lot of students at this school are really fortunate, and it just gives them a chance to all come together and to give back.”
