It’s the most wonderful time of year again when the air turns crisp and a warm, cozy evening is all anyone craves. And with winter break approaching in less than a week, Student Council and various clubs around the building have turned NASH into a winter wonderland to generate holiday spirit throughout the student body.
Operation Winter Wonderland is a school-wide event that ensues the week before the holiday break, with 2024 being the fourth year of this timely tradition.
“The main goal of Winter Wonderland is to spread school spirit and offer an opportunity for students to get involved with their clubs and activities in a social way,” StuCo sponsor Mr. Karolski said.
Operation Winter Wonderland has occurred since the 2021-2022 school year and was created after Karolski watched the holiday film Elf, starring Will Ferrell.
“I watched the clip where Buddy transformed the department store,” Karolski explained. “I thought how amazing it would be if we could get a couple of snowflakes in the hallways for our winter spirit week. I knew that our clubs were a great group to help and lead the effort.”
Anna Fiffik, Head of the Spirit Committee and main organizer for Operation Winter Wonderland, voiced the hard work and dedication it takes to fulfill such a project.
“The Spirit Committee and I plan the logistics, such as the decoration days and times,” Fiffik stated. “We make sure every club has tape, colored paper, and any extra decorations that we would need to order for them.”
Sam Coffman, Cabinet Head for the Spirit Committee, expressed his joy in helping to decorate the building during the holidays.
“I love hanging out on a Friday after school helping put snowmen and gingerbread men on the walls,” Coffman said.
Every club at NASH has the opportunity to help decorate and participate in the festivities. This year, 18 clubs signed up to participate in spreading cheer throughout the building, with each organization receiving its own assigned area of the school to decorate. The student body has the opportunity to vote for their favorite halls later in the week, and the winning club receives a donut breakfast once they come back from break.
“The student body enjoys this tradition every year,” Fiffik added. “They all choose the same hallway almost every year and participate in the competitive atmosphere.”
As a whole, Fiffik envisions a greater purpose for this annual event that spreads festive joy.
“We strive to accomplish school spirit, as pride for our district is what NA is known for,” she said. “Without school spirit, there is nothing to cheer for.”
