Throughout December Wishes of Westwood is a school-wide service project that consists of three weeks of Disney-themed spirit days and reviatitng winter activities. In addition to the festivities, there are lunch activities formulated by the student council and opportunities to donate items to Prisma Health Hospital and Harvest Hope.
The first lunch activity featured a festive lunch where students and teachers came down with their creativity and decorated little Christmas tree cones with small candy and frosting. Coming next Wednesday there will be cookies to decorate and have for yourself to enjoy.
In our last and final week of school for the year, there will be a special Christmas lunch for everyone who RSVP’s. This is a cultural event for everyone to have a chance to see traditions that are celebrated around the world. Junior, Gyanna Jones, emphasized what she was most excited about this month.
“I’m most excited for Doc Mcstuffins Day where I get to wear my PJs and bring my stuffed animal. I’m also really excited about the winter formal since homecoming was canceled.”
As previously stated, WOW also extends beyond the school walls, involving local businesses and community members. This collaboration strengthens the bond between the school and the community, creating a network of support that benefits everyone involved.
Throughout the month, the student council is also raising money and collecting donations for Prisma Children’s Hospital and Harvest Hope. Those are being collected in room 612 until the 17th of December.
On the 17th, the school will come together with a festive assembly where students and teachers can celebrate and have fun. The band, orchestra, and chorus will all be there performing their Christmas melodies. The Student Activity Director, Ashley Truss, explains how we help everyone in the community in need.
“Frequent posting on social media. Posting in specific Blythewood Facebook groups. Announcements. Rowdy’s weekly. Posters around the school. The community can help by donating items. This initiative is a school-wide community project so we also ask clubs and organizations to get together their donations too. The items are usually boxed up by student council and I have to drop them off.”
Truss also adds, “Last year was my first year directly working with it (W.O.W.). Seeing the amount of items that were donated to benefit our own Redhawks warmed my heart. Last year we gave back to the students in our building who are less fortunate. We were able to provide clothing items, food, and gifts for not only our own students but their siblings as well.”
The success of Wishes of Westwood is largely due to the incredible dedication and creativity of the student council at Westwood High School. Each year, the planning committee, comprised of student leaders and faculty advisors, brainstorms new ways to make the event and assembly more impactful and inclusive.
From themed dress-up days to interactive projects, there’s always something new and exciting to look forward to. The trees, put up by student council officers and members, are now displayed beautifully in the school’s main hall, shimmering with colorful lights and presents.
Much like the trees and holiday decorations around the Castle, Wishes of Westwood is a shining example of what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared purpose. It’s a celebration of festivity, kindness, and the incredible will of collective goodwill.
