Prairie High School is getting ready to host their annual Winter Carnival on December 14, 2024, It will be located throughout the school’s commons with its toyshop located inside the library. Prairie hopes it is a festive success while also giving back to the community and families with a free event for all.
This event aims to bring students, staff, and the community together for holiday fun, and exciting games, and to create memories. The carnival features many festive activities, including holiday-themed carnival games, photos with Santa, arts and crafts, hot cocoa and pancakes, and many more. This year students get the opportunity to learn about Hanukkah and make crafts. The student organizers have taken the lead this year and are very passionate about this event being a success. Oliver Root, the ASB teacher and co-organizer for this event notices this hard work mentioning, “It’s kind of changed a bit, i’ve only helped with the past 2 years but this time we have a couple of very passionate students who are very passionate and have been taking the lead in things which is great.” It shows why they decided to host this event because they are passionate about helping others and that what they do is always seen from afar.
With all the activities to do, the winter carnival is very beneficial for the community, it’s a fun experience and everyone is welcome. ASB is very grateful that they can give back to the community. Danaka Ross, another co-organizer and ASB teacher says, “ I think that this is one of the events that probably benefit a wide range of people the most because not only does it allow our staff and students to come and be a part of something else to volunteer and it feels good to interact. With the community not only does it help parents who are struggling financially around the holidays but also allows the kids to have an opportunity to go to an event.” In addition to that, Root says, “One of the coolest things about it is kids get the opportunity to potentially receive a gift, to make crafts, and maybe learn about Hanukkah, And it’s just an opportunity to come in, do something for free, get pictures for free with Santa which is expensive other places. It’s very beneficial for folks that might be struggling in various ways.”
“It’s kind of like your warm, cozy, holiday hug almost.” Root adds.
Overall, the winter carnival is a memorable event that will showcase how good the community is at the Prairie. All the staff are prepared for the memories and are grateful that they can help families have a fun evening. Root comments, “Last year was my first time really being super involved and I just think overall there were so many people that had such a great time, numerous folks coming up thanking us for putting that event on, and just like seeing everyone come together with Prairie showcasing what a positive atmosphere it is.” Similarly to Root, Ross also says, “Last year a family came and they told us they’ve been looking forward to this event all year and that they remembered us, that was really nice to know. Also, many families came up to us tearing up and telling us ‘Thank you’ and how grateful they were for this event.” It shows how anticipated this event is for families and how much of a good job it is in bringing holiday cheer, and that it will keep being a great success in future years.
