By Sadie York
Another successful week of Winter Wishes has concluded, and as a community, have hopefully grown closer together! This year, over 150 wishes were granted to students and faculty on our Westmont campus, all with the help of donations and fundraised money. Hoping to uplift our student body, 12, more dire wishes, were selected to be granted at our Winter Wishes Rally, an assembly split between upper and under classmen.
During the underclassmen rally, a student who asked for driving lessons received the lessons in itself, but also other necessities for a car, such as a gas gift card, etc. Furthermore, a student hoping to re-spark her passion for music was granted a new guitar, in light of her previous one being broken beyond repair. A very hard-working family in need of a little support received grocery gift cards, as well as items to be used for a day of complete relaxation! Two different students hoping to rekindle a passion for crafts received items varying from a sewing machine, craft cart, camera, etc. To finish up the underclassmen rally, senior Malia Wightman brought up a student struggling to pay rent. After sharing his story on his father’s hard work, Malia announced a month of rent had been covered for this student, as well as several other amenities, such as a night out for dinner, for him to enjoy with his dad.
Back on the mic for the upperclassmen assembly, junior Maya Gur welcomed Abagail Mekonnen to the start of the wish granting ceremony. A student had been wished for on behalf of Ms. Tessa, who explained that this student was lacking clothing and community resources. This thoughtful wish was very important to our student body, and this student received a basket full of necessities, as well as several gift cards for clothing, food, and money. Moving on, junior Aleenah Parrish sent in a wish regarding the custodians, acknowledging their hard work on our campus. We were able to put together baskets with everyday working essentials, as well as a nice dinner for the custodial staff and their families to enjoy together. Another student requested some basic necessities for college in the upcoming year, and received several items, including a laptop, to accomplish this goal. Another hardworking senior had requested a way to pay it forward to his father, as his job had been negatively impacted by the government shutdown. This student and his father, who was in attendance, received several gift cards for many nights out to enjoy together—stress free. This student’s father, however, took a moment with the crowd to encourage others to spread love, and to support each other when others are struggling. This heartfelt message was truly heard by everyone in the gym, and embodied the spirit of Winter Wishes. Finally, a very considerate student had requested some stress-relieving aid for her friend, whose family works so incredibly hard to support each other. This student received airpods, gifts for her family, grocery gift cards, and more.
To be able to grant all these wishes is genuinely a reward in itself, and allows Westmont to give back to its community. Especially around the holiday season, it’s important to take a moment to recognize everyone’s needs, and simply have compassion for each other and ourselves!