Panther Heart December 2023
This holiday season, our Fairbanks community, including students, staff and families, went above and beyond to demonstrate their Panther Heart. Through service and generosity, our Panthers:
Collected several boxes full of stocking stuffers including small toys, hand warmers, gloves, socks, chapstick, toothbrushes, toothpaste, toiletries and non-perishable grocery items (all to be donated to the Hope Center and a local service project.)
Ensured that more than 50 local kids received Christmas gifts by providing hundreds of gifts and gift cards to local families.
Traveled to four local nursing homes to spread Christmas cheer through caroling.
Paid off school lunch accounts and school fees for dozens of students.
Raised and donated hundreds of dollars to local service projects.
Supported the FES PTO at the Jack Frost Jubilee.
Additionally:
The middle schoolers dedicated an entire school day to community service, making dog toys, bird feeders, DIY scarves, and providing big-buddy support to elementary school students at the Winter Whirl and on-site holiday activities.
The elementary students wrote thank you notes to local firefighters, law enforcement, and health care workers, and 4th and 5th graders made Thanksgiving cards for residents at the Bluebird Retirement Community.
Two high school students sold festive socks to raise money for the “We Help Two” organization (helping children born with deformities in third world countries).
The 4th graders made front-page news for their Military Support Drive as part of the Troop Care Box Program.
What makes all of this even more exceptional is that our students led most of these efforts. Much of our collecting and giving was initiated by student organizations including FCCLA, FFA, Student Councils, Honor Societies and the School Helpers Club, to name a few.
The donations, gifts and support ranged from simple to grand, and together, Panthers made a felt difference throughout the local community. While this list is not exhaustive, it highlights the bright hearts of our students, staff and families who lead with service and generosity throughout every season of the year.