Community Press / December 19, 2012
Santa Claus made a special visit to students at Cheviot School before they left for the holiday break.
Cheviot students in grades pre-kindergarten through third grade received gifts from the jolly old elf on Wednesday, Dec. 19.
Santa’s visit was part of a Breakfast with Santa program, which was a collaboration between Cheviot School and Dater High School.
Anne Bailey, a resource coordinator at Dater, said about 30 Dater students took part in the program, going room to room and delivering toys Cheviot School received from Toys for Tots.
“The older students are having fun,” Bailey said.
She said the Dater students who helped Santa deliver the gifts are members of the school’s student council or National Honor Society. The students raised money to buy a Santa outfit and rent a bus to get to Cheviot School, she said.
“The students are earning service hours, and it’s just a fun treat for the students who go above and beyond in school,” Bailey said.
Imari Dubose, a Dater senior from Westwood, said he enjoyed handing gifts to the young Cheviot School students and interacting with them.
“I have a little brother, so I like being a role model for them to look up to,” said Dubose, who is president of his senior class.
He said it was great to be able to help brighten the students’ day and share some holiday spirit with them.
“It makes me feel like I’m actually doing something to make a difference,” he said.
“It’s nice to give back in a positive way.”
Christy Long, the PTO president at Cheviot School, said it was a good experience for the elementary school students to receive a visit from older students who work hard academically and are active in their school.
She said this was the first year for the breakfast with Santa program.
“I think it means a lot to our kids,” Long said.
“The kids are just so excited about it. I like seeing all their faces light up.”