Yackie Castro, Class of 2027
The day began just like any other day in Alpha period, but it later turned into a magical day on the Hill. Upon first arriving at Alpha period in the history hall, attendance was taken, then students prepared to leave for an all-school morning Mass.
Each class settled into their section, patiently waiting for Mass to begin. This was a great way to start the week while uniting the school to celebrate the Mass on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.
After celebrating Mass and expressing thanks to God, students dismissed back to their Alpha period. From there each student departed to their assigned station with their Core group. As we help around our station we were able to view how this experience brought many smiles upon the Enlace students. Not only does it bring many contagious smiles but it represents greatness within Cathedral.
From operating the s’mores station to walking around, smiles were spread across everyone’s faces. The opportunity to provide a special Christmas memory for younger kiddos impacts not only the little kids but us high school students as well. It serves as a reminder that we are role models and looked upon.
The Enlace students had such a great time that some were so thrilled and excited for they day they would be able to attend high school. I overheard some students even say this was the best day of their life.
As for the all of in high school, it reminded us to help spread kindness and generosity, even if its through one child at a time. This wonderful chance to provide a Christmas experience built many memories upon the whole Hill. Leadership is shown throughout the day as each student guides around a buddy, this sincerely is an altering experience for many of these younger Enlace students.
This really puts into perspective that what may seem very practical and normal to some students may be one of the most wholesome experiences to another like the Enlace students. Doing this, we provide an example to the younger kids of what high school can be like, the fun and kindness that can be spread within our community.
These children are now inspired to go and spread greatness, often inspired to make a positive difference. The joy and smiles we were able to bring upon the Enlace students serves as a long-lasting memory which will last a lifetime. It will empower others to appreciate and spread the power of kindness and generosity within others.
Kate Albaugh, Class of 2027
The Monday of Christmas on The Hill started by going to my Alpha period, Acp U.S. history. Announcements started and Mr. Wooden said to head to the gym for Mass. Cathedral held Mass on that day because it was the feast of the Immaculate Conception, or the day that Mary became pregnant with Jesus. There was a priest from Notre Dame that performed the Mass to celebrate the feast day. The homily he gave was about how everyone is called to have vocations in life. Mass was a great way to start the day.
After that all the Freshman, Sophomores, and most of the Juniors were released to go to prepare their stations with their Core groups, where the seniors and some juniors were assigned a kid to walk around with.
My core was tasked with helping at a station where kids took pictures with Santa in the Mary Area. My friends from my Core passed out stickers and we played with the kids waiting in line. The station was running pretty smoothly, so the leaders let some of us take a short break to walk around and see the rest of the school. The entire school was decorated amazingly.
I walked around and found some of my friends in the gym. We took a few minutes to enjoy the activities ourselves and rode some of the scooters and bikes in the gym. We went to get food on the roundabout then went to make s’mores by Cunningham.
We went to many stations to see the animals, the reindeer, the Mimm’s and some of our friends’ stations in the halls. We saw some of our senior and junior friends with kids as well. The Enlace kids looked like they were having a fun time, even the high schoolers walking them around were enjoying themselves!
The day ended with an assembly in the gym where all the seniors sat with their kids. There was a video made of all the fun that was had and all the activities the kids were able to do.
The kids then did their dances they had prepared earlier by grade and everyone applauded very loudly. You could see pure joy on the kids’ faces because of the attention they were receiving from the older kids.
There were some little games they did and then the kids were called to get back on the buses. Mrs. Barthel told all of the kids to go back to their stations and help cleanup, but then we were all dismissed.
