Elves found throughout Souhegan High School

Published: Sunday, December 20, 2009

Children took over the halls of Souhegan High School on Dec. 5. Red and green adorned the walls, Christmas movies played familiar plots and classrooms were transformed into areas for crafts, games and reading.

It was as if Santa had traded the North Pole for Amherst, and his elves for Souhegan seniors.

The event was the fourth annual Holiday Drop and Shop hosted by Souhegan’s National Honor Society. Although NHS leaders were worried by the initial low sign-up numbers, they were pleased with the final turnout.

This year, 19 local children enjoyed a day of holiday activities with Souhegan seniors while parents benefited from a shopping excursion free of distractions. Parents were asked to donate toys, books or food to SHARE in exchange for the day’s services.

Marina Capen, NHS faculty adviser, was pleased by the students’ participation and enthusiasm.

“The most memorable part of the day was lunch, as the entire NHS and all the kids came together to eat,” she said. “The NHS students have the opportunity to connect with younger members of our community and are a positive influence on them.”

The children participated in holiday crafts, got their face painted and gathered for the arrival of Santa. When Crista Burrel came to pick up her two daughters from the Drop and Shop, she listened to their many enthusiastic accounts of the day.

“The girls enjoy a day of holiday activities, we finish our Christmas shopping and in the true spirit of the holidays, we contribute to families in need,” Burrel said. “The event was magical.”

Souhegan is working hard this holiday season to bring that same magic to children in need. Advisories and student groups are finding creative ways to benefit the community.

“Participation and enthusiasm are up,” said Maggie Paul, community service coordinator. “We’ve always had a generous spirit, but this year, students are more aware of the need.”

Included in the list of holiday service activities, the junior leadership group collected 1,158 items of clothing for Child and Family Services in Manchester, 48 advisories each sponsored a child through the Nashua Soup Kitchen & Shelter and two sophomore advisories are spending the day in Head Start Preschool classes.

Souhegan students have rekindled the old holiday spirit by the simple act of giving.

Kristin Leffler is a senior at Souhegan High School in Amherst.