By Hima Binu and Aimee Matthew
As the holidays near, the festive spirit of the season is prevalent throughout New Hyde Park Memorial. Students can be found dressed up in holiday-themed pajamas, enjoying seasonal drinks and participating in club holiday activities.
This year, NHP Best Buddies is continuing its tradition of Christmas caroling. Along with hosting their annual holiday party, where students gather and socialize with their buddies, Best Buddies caroling is a popular tradition around the school. The students and staff in the club put hard work and dedication into preparing their celebrations of holiday cheer.
“Best Buddies Club will soon be holding its annual Holiday Party,” sophomore Ariana Muhammad said. “Peer buddies, members, officers, teachers, and advisors will come together to enjoy seasonal treats, listen to Christmas music, play festive games, make wintry crafts, and above all, spread cheer in the days leading up to Christmas break. I’m looking forward to making this year’s party one to remember!”
In the charitable spirit of the season, the Key Club is holding its annual Adopt-a-Family charity initiative. Students and staff are encouraged throughout the month of December to donate cash or gift cards that are given to a family in need.
“Adopt-a-family is something we have been doing for the last 20 years,” adviser Ms. Bocchino said. ”We get the families through Nassau County Social Services. This year there are 9 clubs and departments that are participating by purchasing toys and gift cards for the families in need. It embodies the spirit of giving that is synonymous with this season.”
The world language clubs will be celebrating the holidays with numerous events and parties. Advisers and officers are working hard to put together special holiday activities and organize charity events.
“The Spanish Club is hosting their annual Holiday Party to spread holiday cheer throughout the club,” sophomore Dhara Patel said. “Additionally, we are hosting a Christmas card workshop, where cards will be made and donated to our adopted family, consisting of a single mother and six children. We will be collecting any monetary donations to buy gift cards for the family this holiday season!”
“This year the Italian club is hosting a holiday party for both members and non-members,” Italian Club Vice President Alex Tomalski said. “We will have food, drinks, games, and dancing for all students to enjoy together. We want to emphasize the meaning of the holidays this year and do our best for everyone to have a great time together.”
Source from Ms. Caliendo
Holiday parties serve as a way for students to socialize while enjoying the holidays.
“We are having a Christmas party at the end of next week either Wednesday or Thursday,” French Club adviser Mr. Pierre said. “We are going to have a meeting about the final details soon.”
An integral part of getting into the holiday spirit is decorations, which is why NHP has a tradition of door decorating. Door decorating has been an important part of the holiday season at NHP. Year after year, teachers and students work together to decorate doors all over the school. The decorations help create a joyful and festive atmosphere for the students and to spread holiday cheer throughout the school.
“The teachers in the world language department are very creative so we are very eager to participate in this project,” Italian teacher Ms. Caliendo said.
Source from Alvin Paul
Teachers decorate their respective departments' hallways to help promote festive spirit throughout the school.
“It’s so nice to see the students’ and other colleagues’ faces light up when they walk through our hallway. It makes it all worth it,” Spanish teacher Ms. Mei-Chan said.
Overall, through NHP Memorial’s many holiday celebrations, whether it be hosting a party, putting up decorations or caroling through the halls, faculty and students alike are coming together to make this holiday season a memorable one.