ABERDEEN, S.D. – This holiday season, Aberdeen’s Feztival of Trees has a Golden Eagle-themed tree, thanks to the O.M. Tiffany Elementary Student Council.
O.M. Tiffany’s Student Council is sponsoring a tree at the fundraiser event for Aberdeen’s Yelduz Shriners, which begins today at the Shrine Center, 802 S. Main St.
Last week, Student Council members and Art Club members were decorating homemade ornaments for the tree in preparation of the event.
“I made a Christmas tree and some branches and ornaments that are blue and yellow because the theme is blue and yellow,” said Hayden Norman, a fourth grader at O.M. Tiffany.
“I did Christmas trees with a bunch of blue, yellow, and really light green dots to make it festive, and a bunch of big presents like we’re being good boys,” said fellow fourth grader Bridger Heupel.
“I’m doing a volcano and I did smiley faces that says ‘be happy,’” said fourth grader Tyler Moffenbier.
Why did the Student Council decide to sponsor a tree?
“We just thought it would be fun and a way to give back,” Hayden said.
“I wanted to do it because I really want to be an artist when I grow up,” Tyler said.
On Sunday, O.M. Tiffany teachers—along with Student Council members whose parents are teachers—set up the tree at the Shrine Center. Along with the handmade ornaments, the Student Council purchased additional decorations and will also include gifts underneath the tree, such as tickets for the CHS Valentine Bistro, a gift card donated by the Swag Shop, a blanket donated by Jessign, and other items.
Mrs. Jessica Norman, O.M. Tiffany teacher and Student Council advisor, said sponsoring the tree was a way to give back while showcasing all the good things happening at Aberdeen Public Schools.
"One of our goals as educators is to teach kids academics, obviously, but to teach them how to be good kids and people is also so important,” she said. “Mrs. Allison Leach and I feel strongly about helping these kids learn to give back to others. We want our community to know of all the great things that are happening at CHS and in our school district. The tree gave us a way to spotlight that. It's easy to see the bad things, but kids are very good as well. We have a lot to be proud of at OMT, in the Aberdeen School District, and in our community.”
Now this week at the Feztival of Trees, members of the public can purchase raffle tickets for the trees, with the money going to support the Shriners’ children’s hospitals. The event takes place Nov. 17-21 from 4-7 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 22 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
About the Aberdeen Public School District
The Aberdeen Public School District provides a comprehensive educational program to approximately 4,200 students in grades K-12, with a mission of empowering all students to succeed in a changing world. Our students receive the knowledge and skills necessary to reach their potential in a global community through high expectations of academic achievement; diverse educational opportunities; and community involvement in a safe, supportive environment. Learn more at aberdeen.k12.sd.us.