Prefects selling raffl e tickets. Mowat students raised $3,412 during Holiday Cheer in December.
By Caitlin McKelvie
This year, Sir Oliver Mowat Collegiate Institute’s annual tradition of “Holiday Cheer” was in full swing. As a Grade 12 student, my last Holiday Cheer at Mowat was bittersweet, but the festive fun made the last two weeks before the winter break memorable!
Preparations for the events began weeks in advance and the Prefect Council, with help from other clubs and councils, gave it their all. The events raised money for Scarborough Health Network.
Signally the beginning of Holiday Cheer was hot chocolate and holiday songs at lunch in the cafeteria. Next was the staff vs. students dodgeball match, attended by many. The energy in the gym was exhilarating as students and staff cheered each other on. The match ended in a tie, so there will have to be a tiebreaker next year!
The Holiday Market is a standout event to many at Mowat. Clubs and Councils alike get together to sell baked goods, bracelets, and more. It’s impossible to miss as it takes place during lunch in the cafeteria and main hall.
The Game Spectacle buyout allowed students to pay to attend during their second period class. It featured The Price is Right, Jeopardy and Family Feud.
More fun was brought to the school’s lunch breaks during the Kahoot game and Music Council’s Jeopardy. The pancake breakfast before school one day allowed the Holiday Cheer to spread beyond just the Mowat community as it was open to all this year.
The lighthearted rivalry between staff and students was continued during the staff vs. boys volleyball team game, hosted by Mowat’s Athletic Council (MAC). The students won the first round, then the competition was put on hold and the teams were mixed to include both students and teachers on each team for the next round.
When asked what makes the staff vs. student events special, MAC co-president Olivia Fearon said, “It’s nice that these events aren’t taken super seriously and instead the participants are having fun with the friendly competition.”
The school-wide door decorating competition, organized by the Student Activity Council, displayed the impressive creativity of Mowat students.
The talent show was an amazing wrap-up to Holiday Cheer. There were many incredible dance routines and musical performances.
Throughout the two weeks, candy grams and raffle tickets were sold. The raffle prizes included a $50 Rouge Kitchen gift card, a VR headset, two gift baskets, and a grand prize of AirPods!
In the end, Mowat raised $3,412 for Scarborough Health Network! I’m happy to attend a high school that cares about helping others. I’m sure the spirit of giving will continue in the school and beyond as we graduate.
You can find out more or donate to Scarborough Health Network at shn.ca
Photos by Crissa Haratsidis