This year’s Toy Drive was a success thanks to countless donations and the competitive spirit of our Monticello High School students, faculty, and staff. After twelve collections days, we were able to raise close to $2000, which enabled the committee to fulfill approximately 130 wishes. Coordinating with our local Head Start, the committee received wish lists from the teachers of the three and four-year old students. Next, on Monday, Dec. 17, the Head Elves shopped to fulfill these wishes. Finally, on Tuesday, Dec. 18, these wishes were delivered by the entire Elf Brigade led by, of course, Santa Claus himself.
Drive chairs, Molly Jane Garcia, Lexie Rosenstein, and Molly Smith, as well as volunteer elves Brianna Howard and Gabe Jones, collected the competitive donations from each first-period class. These donations were tabulated, determining the winners of the classroom competition. The entire school was treated to our annual Toy Drive assembly on Thursday, December 20.
Emceed by our drive chairs, the assembly showcased some of our amazing high school talent. First, the Chamber Ensemble, led by Mr. Chidsey, played a couple of holiday tunes. Then, some of our dancers, led by Ms. Cosmodelis, displayed a special holiday routine. Lastly, our Wind Ensemble, led by Mr. Verdino, performed a medley of holiday hits that had everyone tapping their feet and singing along. Once the entertainment was over, Molly Jane, Lexie, and Molly took turns to share with the audience the winners. Each of these classes received the traditional box of blow pops to thank them for their efforts..
For A Days:
- 3rd place: with a total of $61.96 for the toy drive and an overall total of $286.22 for both drives is Ms. Majewska’s class.
- 2nd place: with a total of $76.32 for the toy drive and an overall total of $475.76 for both drives Mrs. Sywalski’s class.
- 1st place: with a total of $112.91 is Mr. Bolduc’s class.
For B days
- 3rd place: with a total of $249.19 for the toy drive, and an overall total of $946.57 for both drives is Mr. Russo’s class.
- 2nd place: with a total of $337.21for the toy drive and an overall total of $1246.57 for both drives is Ms. Hurley’s class.
- 1st place and first overall, receiving a box of blow pops and a delicious breakfast cooked by our building administrators, Ms. Blount, Ms. Boardman, and Mr. Wilder, with a total of $607.57 for the toy drive and an overall total of $1846.77 for both drives, and earning a second breakfast, is Ms. Grote’s class.
After that, the entire audience viewed our traditional slideshow, where they were able to see, first hand, the benefits of our drive. Not only did they see each child receive a toy from Santa especially chosen for them, they also got to see our elves playing with the children. They were excited by the presents, but what really will leave a lasting impression is the presence of our high school students, playing with them, reading to them, and being there, in the moment, with them. Thank you, High School Panthers, for being community minded and generous.