By Carmela Drossman-Schlossberg
As Christmas time approaches, many of the clubs at New Hyde Park Memorial are getting into the holiday spirit. Some clubs are running charity initiatives, others are doing Secret Santas and some are even throwing their own holiday parties.
Key Club ran its yearly charity initiative, Adopt-a-Family, aimed at adopting and helping families in need. Students participating in this charity donated cash or gift cards that are given to the family in order for them to be able to shop for themselves during the holidays. This charity has served as one way to help community members during the season of giving.
“I’m glad I had the opportunity to help other people by donating,” freshman Aimee Mathew said.
Artwork by Sabeena Ramdarie
The Key Club raised about $4,700 for eight families through the gift card donations.
The world language clubs hosted Christmas parties, allowing members of the clubs to get together for the holiday season. The Spanish Club hosted a holiday party that included karaoke, games (such as charades), pizza and cake. The Italian Club hosted their holiday party on December 20, which consisted of pizza and dancing to Italian Christmas music. The World Language Honor Society will be hosting their holiday party on December 21 for all students inducted in one of the language honor societies. Many factors need to be considered when planning these activities, requiring the hard work and dedication of officers and advisors.
Source from NHP Spanish Club (@nhp.spanish_club) on Instagram
"Having these parties allow students to branch out of just academics and have fun experiences they can remember in upcoming years,” freshman and treasurer of the French Club Allison Sanassi said.
On December 15, Best Buddies threw a holiday party during the first three periods of the school day. This was an opportunity for buddies to spend time together and enjoy the holiday season. Along with this, they are planning to perform holiday carols on December 22.
“I had lots of fun at the Best Buddies holiday party. The decorations looked wonderful, and I had a great time celebrating the holiday season,” freshman Rebecca McCorey said.
Source from NHP Best Buddies (@nhpbestbuddies) on Instagram
50 students were in attendance at the Best Buddies Club holiday party where they participated in various events, such as arts and crafts.
The Model United Nations club threw a Christmas movie night for members as a way to help fundraise for their upcoming trip to Boston. This helped promote fellowship between newer and more senior members of the club.
“The festive season at NHP just seems so perfect. From decorations and lights to the creative activities and events, seeing everybody’s spirits lifted brings a smile to my face as well,” freshman Ariana Muhammad said.
In addition to these club-specific activities, the NHP Student Council hosted their own holiday events. On December 13, a movie night showing “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” took place in the cafeteria. At one dollar per ticket, the movie night was a way for students to have fun with their friends after school. The student council also planned to run their first annual gingerbread house contest on December 20, but it was canceled.
Source by Anna Detke
Seniors Debarati Chowdhury and Simrit Kaur demonstrate their creative, artistic ability by building gingerbread houses with the National Art Honor Society.
Some performing groups and classes held a Secret Santa this year. Whether during school or outside of classes, students have expressed that it allows them to learn more about others and brings them closer as a group.
“I think it was a great bonding experience for the team as a whole. Things like this are really important because the closer we are, the better we perform,” senior Alison Leontis said.
The holiday spirit has been prevalent throughout most of NHP Memorial, and its clubs have emulated just that.