(Lila P., Ela K/Staff) Flickr
Service Board and Art Society Partner to Decorate Holiday Cookies
Do you need last-minute in-school Service hours or events? Do not worry because the Service Board and Art Society are partnering for the first time to host a cookie decorating event on Thursday, December 19, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Dining Hall. The first 15-30 minutes will be for set up, followed by an hour will be decorating, with the last half-hour dedicated to clean-up. Volunteers will frost roughly 200 cookies provided by SAGE, and the treats will be donated the following Friday to Columbus Food Rescue, Local Matters program that fights food waste and inequity by rescuing excess foods and re-distributing them to shelters, agencies, and other community groups.
Each Service board volunteer will earn two events, completing this semester’s requirement, while non-Service Boards earn two in-school service hours.
Art Society Co-President Kouros R. said, “We came up with this idea a long time ago and thought it was a perfect way to kick off the winter break after a long week of exams. It will be a great time decorating cookies that will go to a good cause!”
Mediterranean and Eastern European Affinity Group Celebrates Culture with Potluck
On Monday, December 1, the Mediterranean and Eastern European Affinity Group (MEEAG) held its second potluck in Dr. Yan’s room. Each of its 30 members arrived with dishes native to their family’s country of origin. Some of the servings included Khachapuri, which a a cheese pastry from Georgia. Wara’enab, which is Lebanese rolled grape leaves were also offered. Kugel or cheesecake noodles is a Russian dish. Italian cannoli and Moroccan flan were also offered as dessert. The star of the show was a giant chocolate Russian cake called Ptichye Moloko, that served everyone in the group.
Band Performs for Senior Citizens
On Thursday, December 12, twenty-one Upper School band students had the opportunity to play music for senior citizens at the United Methodist Church, Academy’s third time in participating in this holiday luncheon. The band played Christmas music, jazz, and hymnals that they learned outside of regular class time and interacted with the residents through asking each other questions. Tegan M. says, “I loved being able to use music as an outlet to serve people in our community. It was also a good chance to do what I love around my friends.” Not only is this tradition an educational experience, it is also a fun way to interact with the community that the band hopes to continue in following years.