Belize Bank holds annual Christmas Party for students from Stella Marris

At the ITVET today, there was reason to be merry. About one hundred and twenty-five students from Stella Maris School were celebrating with the Belize Bank and Belize Bank International, their annual Christmas Party. The party is highly anticipated so the bank threw in a few more goodies. Duane Moody reports.

Duane Moody, Reporting

‘Tis the season to be jolly…and today despite the heavy rains in the city, excitement, laughter and fun were in the air at the ITVET for the annual Christmas Party for the students of Stella Maris School. Belize Bank and Belize Bank International adopted the Christmas program and for the fifth year in a row, the energetic youths are getting the full works courtesy of the banks—food, entertainment and of course a visit from Santa Clause.

Misty Michael, Marketing Manager, Belize Bank

Misty Michael

“A lot of time and effort goes into planning the party because it is a very important event for the bank at this time of year. And we know that the school and staff and students really look forward to the party every year, so we really try to make that extra effort to give them a really good time. Our staff are very involved in this party—especially our Belize City staff. Each staff member chooses a student’s name and they provide a gift for the student. So when Santa Clause comes, they deliver the gifts to them.”

Michael Arthurs

Michael Arthurs, Compliance Officer, Belize Bank International

“It’s the season for giving and Belize Bank International like Belize Bank is one family. It is an initiative taken on by Belize Bank and Belize bank International rightly joins; fall in suit, to help out and do something good for us. It’s a staff initiative that gives us a part to give back a little.”

The event is priceless, says the Principal of Stella Maris, because for some of the students, this is the only celebration they will experience for the holidays.

Joy Westby, Principal, Stella Maris School

Joy Westby

“Many times, many of our students are looked down upon and sometimes this might be the only gift that they might receive. So they always anticipate and look forward (to). Sometimes in January, they are asking if Santa Clause will come, if they are going to have party, if they are going to dance. And so the sentiment behind this, it is for real for these children. We actually made a banner this year and on that banner, it has all the pictures taken from way back. And those children actually participated in making their posters and if you go inside and you look on that banner it is something that should be cherished for years to come. This on a whole builds their self-esteem—just to show them that somebody cares and not only caring just by having a party and dancing, but they need to be loved. So this is indeed great for them.”

And for thirteen year old Robert Kelly and fourteen year old Ebony Gordon, they are elated and took the time to send season greetings to their family and friends.

Robert Kelly

Robert Kelly, Student, Stella Maris School

“I feel happy. I am feeling well and happy to be welcomed back to this party. And to come back for foods, giveaway cupcakes, giveaway foods, giveaway juice; giveaway balloons everything. So I feel happy for that.”

Ebony Gordon, Student, Stella Maris School

Ebony Gordon

“This is my second year and it feel good.”

Reporter

“Tell us about some of the things that you are doing here today.”

Ebony Gordon

“Well we just finish lunch. We supposed to have a dance by me and my two friends, but I noh so sure if we wah still do the dance. My ma, my pa and my family in Mango Creek. I just want to wish them a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and my friends.”

Robert Kelly

“I wah wish to my ma, my stepfather, my pa, my sisters and my cousin dehn and my next two breddas in my class; my granny, my cousin and all my people weh live back ah civic…will be present with them for Christmas.”

Duane Moody for News Five.