It’s December, and Christmas spirit is filling the hallways at Van Buren once again. With the holidays right around the corner, it’s time for candy canes, Christmas trees, presents, lights, and most importantly, spreading Christmas joy. This year at Van Buren, students in both the high school and elementary are working hard to raise money for charity.

    Most years on the last day before Christmas break, teachers and students will participate in the tradition of wearing ugly Christmas sweaters to spread some holiday joy.  What most students don’t know is that teachers compete in an ugly Christmas sweater contest that raises money for a college scholarship. 

    Twenty one teachers in the high school chose to participate in an ugly Christmas sweater contest, which runs until the end of the last week of school. Their pictures are currently posted in the cafeteria for students to see. Students can pay $0.50 to buy a ticket in order to vote.    

    All proceeds from ticket sales will go towards the Jennifer Masters Scholarship. The scholarship is in honor of Jennifer Masters, the daughter of Mr. Masters, who was killed in a car accident. The scholarship is designated to go to a student who wishes to pursue teaching. 

    The ugly Christmas sweater is not the only fundraiser Van Buren is participating in.

The elementary school’s word of the month is “compassion”.  First, second, and fifth graders are doing their best to demonstrate Christmas cheer and compassion by collecting items for Chopin Hall, a non-profit organization that collects items for those in need in the Hancock County area.

On Dec. 19, students will meet the Chopin Hall executive director and donate their items. The executive director also plans to speak to students about the importance of their donations and how they affect the community.

“The students like the idea of doing something kind for others,” said Diane Erford, fifth grade teacher. Erford said that students plan on having their regular Christmas parties on the Dec. 19, accompanying the excitement of donating.

With Christmas and New Year’s approaching soon, make sure you do your best to give back some holiday joy!