Sequim Gazette staff

Never mind that the governor wants to cut funding for schools across the state. These students were busy last week giving and receiving love from their classmates and their community.

Sequim High School’s annual “Winter Wishes” assembly saw more than $3,000 in cash and prizes awarded to students in all grades.

Highlights included:
• Ansley Gaines, a junior who recently moved here from South Carolina, received round-trip airfare to see her father in South Carolina for the holidays
• Sophomore Emily Carel received a 2-month-old puppy from the Welfare for Animals Guild organization
• Fellow sophomore Giovanni Gallo, who had surgery on both his knees this year, received a six-month pass to Anytime Fitness to rehabilitate his knees
• Senior Paul Bergsland, a big Mariners fan, received two box seats to a game of his choice
• Teacher Joe Younger, assisted by James Willis, put on a puppet show with “The Crucible” as the theme, including a special appearance by Harry Potter

Emcees for the event were Rachel Chumley (event project manager), Marissa Haner and Laura Rutherford.

Event organizers prepared for the assembly for much of the past four months.