As juniors, the now senior class was tasked with coming up with a service project that they would spearhead. Unfortunately, this was not an easy task. With each student picking a project, it was hard to lead one that hadn’t yet been chosen. Senior McKenzie Thomas, was one of these students.
“I didn’t have an Andre Project and Mrs. Lewis was talking about how they had an idea of doing it because we have a lot of Dayton alumni as teachers, and they’re like ‘we want a student to do it. How about you?’” said Thomas.
Thomas joined the planning for Christmas on the Hill in December last year. The group involved in planning consists of the Innovation Team: Mrs. Katie Lewis, Mrs. Lisa Finn, and Mrs. Aly Weaver. Cathedral paired with local school Enlace Academy. Since then, she has been sitting in meetings planning various aspects of the day. Additionally, in more recent events, Thomas has been working overtime to make sure everything is prepped and ready for the big day.
Thomas said, “I’ve gone to a lot of their meetings and came up with different activities and things we’re doing. Kind of just came up with activities and helped plan. I’m doing a lot of work when it comes to making 300 items for each kid. Creating the little passports and lanyards they’re going to wear and their crafts and stuff.”
After months of planning, Christmas on the Hill is rapidly approaching. It is set to take place this coming Friday, December 4th. On Friday morning, there will be a school wide Mass held. After the Mass is over, the seniors/juniors will meet their buddy from Enlace Academy. Additionally each senior will have a buddy from Enlace. No junior will receive a buddy. However, juniors may join a senior from their Core, or volunteer to help with the event. Freshmen and sophomores were required to sign up to run the activities with their Core group.
Some activities include: visiting Santa, train ride, Santa’s workshop, storytime, bounce house, cookie decorating, hot chocolate, stem crafts, carnival games, etc.
In addition to having a buddy, seniors must purchase a small toy for their Enlace student. Thomas said, “It’s supposed to be a cheap, easy gift, nothing expensive at all.”
After the activities are over, Cathedral students and Enlace students will meet in the WAC to finish off the day with several different activities.
Thomas said, “Be really nice to the kids, be really respectful. It’s gonna be a fun, easy day.”
