This year, Armstrong student council is hosting their annual Secret Santa Series in which students in the organization choose a specific teacher or staff member to buy a gift for every day up until the last day of school before Christmas break. 

During these days, the student will have the gifts delivered by proxy; then, on the final day before break, the student will hand deliver that day’s gift, revealing themself to the teacher or staff member. The teacher or staff, previously given a list of what the student was interested in, usually will give the student something in return. 

There is no set price for the event, as students are able to give what they are able to in their situation. According to STUCO corresponding secretary Emily Pore, the gifts that she has given in the past include gift cards, blankets, and candy. 

Teachers are able to fill out a survey of their interests for students to base their gifts off of. 

STUCO Secret Santa has been going on for at least three years, according to STUCO advisor Mrs. McCauley, as it was already a tradition before she took on the role three years ago. Mrs. McCauley’s favorite part about STUCO Secret Santa is that it “allows the kids to see their teachers and staff in a different light.” 

The event gives students the opportunity to show appreciation for their teachers and staff, and for the teachers to see how much the students enjoy giving back. 

According to Mrs. McCauley, who has the list of teachers and staff participating, there are around sixty faculty members participating in this year’s Secret Santa. The faculty are “torn” on what they think about it, as some don’t feel comfortable with students giving them gifts, but others enjoy giving back. Mrs. McCauley said that “in the end, everybody just feels better because we’re spreading holiday cheer.