The 14th annual Sequim High School Winter Wishes assembly was highlighted by generosity, but also had a few moments that made the students and staff gathered in the SHS gym feel the spirit of the holiday season.
That was highlighted when the entire gym let out an “awww” when they heard the wish of Meguire VanderVelde, who wished for “a big hug from daddy.” Fortunately, her father, SHS teacher Derek VanderVelde, was on hand to grab her up and spin her around in a giant hug.
Another touching moment was the revelation of a request from SHS principal Shawn Langston, who couldn’t attend the assembly as he’s still recovering from a knee replacement surgery. Langston relayed his desire to see a special performance of “Thriller” from Drew McDonald, a Life Skills student at SHS who did not disappoint, earning raucous applause from the students in attendance.
As per tradition, the focus of the assembly was the presentation of gifts to various students. The Interact Club awarded water bottles to several students, the Honor Society gave an art kit to Kayli Fukunaga, the Future Farmers of America gifted several bicycles, teacher Laura Gould distributed her hand-made hats to several students and numerous other gifts were handed out, including laptop computers.
Other standout gifts included Blake Davis receiving a month of guitar lessons, and a full drivers’ education course at NW Drivers School for Ethan Knight. Sean O’Mera also gifted a doughnut and hot cocoa party to his entire second period class.
There were several presentations as well, including performances from the choir and band, a dance by student leadership, a cheer performance featuring a gift of maple syrup and the chance to dance to Trenton “Buddy the Elf” Rocha.
Gretta Thorson, right, presents an SHS student with a skateboard as part of the Sequim High School Winter Wishes assembly on Dec. 18. Sequim Gazette photo by Conor Dowley
Gretta Thorson, right, presents an SHS student with a skateboard as part of the Sequim High School Winter Wishes assembly on Dec. 18. Sequim Gazette photo by Conor Dowley
