In 2006, Oconomowoc High School (OHS) DECA students were looking for a way to give back to others during the holidays. After talking with students and parents, they decided to donate school supplies to a nearby school and call the program "Adopt a School". Thirteen years later, the "Adopt a School" program is still going strong and about to bring necessities, gifts, and holiday cheer to Riverwest Elementary in South Milwaukee.
DECA adopts a different school each year but looks for a school that has 95% or more of its students on the free and reduced lunch program. This year 350 students will receive gifts, as well as two entire families that will benefit from the Adopt a School event. Staff and students at OHS select a student name and purchase some of the necessities and gifts from that student's wish list. This year each student will receive a hat, gloves, toys, a book, underwear and socks.
This year, Oconomowoc High School DECA has partnered with Silver Lake Intermediate and Nature Hill Intermediate Schools to run a school drive for "Adopt a School" so that younger students can become involved and make an impact on others. Silver Lake Intermediate School will host a "Fill the Cyclone" drive for the students at Riverwest Elementary collecting school supplies, and Nature Hill Intermediate School students will collect snacks during their "Wolf Pack Snack drive.
"What started as a simple drive has now evolved into a well-oiled machine of coordinated gift wrapping and buses of OHS students, singing as they spread joy. I only hope that today's OHS students learn as much as I did and take time to think about how they can continue to spread joy throughout their careers and lives," said Mackenzie Magnus, an OHS graduate who was a founding leader of "Adopt a School."
This year's "Adopt a School" is led by three OHS DECA members, Leah Breach, Emma Zabinski, and Emma Audley. They are responsible for working with the adopted school to understand what items are needed. Students then lead the DECA club in organizing the donation drive, gift-wrapping, transportation, and delivery of the gifts.
"I have been involved with Adopt a School for all four years of high school and coordinating it for two of those years. I have to say it is the most life-changing event. Being able to see the smiles on each child's face, and tears come to their teachers' eyes is eye-opening to how a gift can change their lives," said Emma Audley.
Emma Zabinski added, "Adopt-a-School is one of my favorite experiences at the high school. It is so amazing to see all the smiles on the kids' faces. The impact that we make on these kids is what pushes me the hard months of co-planning this event. I am blessed to have been a part of this event all four years at OHS."
A special visit from Santa is always part of the day. Bob Magnus has been acting as Santa 12 years of the program while his wife Gina is instrumental in orchestrating the event each year by purchasing last-minute gifts and keeping Santa healthy for the action-packed day at the adopted school. "Sharing the joy of the holidays with the students cannot be described with words, it needs to be experienced, and it is so incredible. The joy you see when a youngster opens a present and gets new socks or underwear puts a new perspective on life for all. The interactions between the kids and the high school students are special," said Bob Magnus of his experience as Santa. "I, too, have enjoyed watching the program grow and become more sophisticated and efficient every year while managing to stay true to the original intention of the program, providing school supplies, clothing, and gifts for children and families in need. The highlights for me every year are watching our Oconomowoc students eat lunch and play with the kids, and watching our students when they realize how good it feels to give to others and how easy it can be!One small gesture can mean the world to someone else," added Gina Magnus.
OHS DECA students will wrap gifts in early December and delivered to Riverwest Elementary School on Tuesday, December 17, from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. You can watch a video of 2017 Adopt a School gift delivery here:https://youtu.be/J-qcF5YVAdI .
Oconomowoc High School Contacts:
OHS DECA Advisor-Jennifer Starke-White: StarkeJ@oasd.org
OHS DECA Adopt A School 2019 Leaders:
- Leah Breach: BREACLEA000@stu.oasd.org
- Emma Zabinski:ZABINEMM000@stu.oasd.org
- Emma Audley: AUDLEEMM000@stu.oasd.org
Photos:
OHS 2019 Wrappapalooza held Tuesday, December 11, 2019
OHS DECA students spent time after school to wrap gifts for the 350 students at Riverwest Elementary School.
Photo: Left to Right: Abby P., Lily B.
Photo: Rachel L.