GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) -- First-graders from five elementary schools visited Union High School for the annual Winter Celebration - an opportunity to explore their future high school while enjoying festive, hands-on activities.
Union High School freshmen, along with scholars on various leadership teams, paired up with the visiting first-graders to serve as elves and guide them through classrooms to decorate cookies, play games, make crafts, and even receive a gift from Santa.
“They love this trip,” said Meghan Caterino, a teacher at Sibley Elementary. "They have so much fun with the one-on-one partnership with a Union student. Plus, the joy of getting a future Redhawk shirt, they wear those to school.”
Union High School Assistant Principal Dana Bachelder started the annual tradition in 2016.
"Students who were young Redhawks back then are now attending Union," Bachelder said.
Several community partners helped make the event possible, including the American Legion, Storehouse of Community Resources, Bridge Street Market, and ADCO Specialties.
The staff at Union High School also baked nearly 600 cookies for scholars to decorate.
"We hear from our elementary schools that this is something the kids look forward to every year," Bachelder added. "The impact is great."
