Stella Maris Celebrates Christmas
It was all celebration for the children at Stella Maris School this morning. The school hosted its annual Christmas party today in collaboration with the Shirley Young Foundation and the Minister of Education. It was a joyful event where each student received a plate of food and a gift. News Five’s Paul Lopez has the story.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
Stella Maris School held its annual Christmas party today. Students were presented with toys, goodie bags, and a delicious plate of rice and beans, chicken and potato salad. Sheree Salgado, a teacher at the school for children with disabilities, told News Five that this year’s event was made possible through the kind contribution of a donor.
Sheree Salgado
Sheree Salgado, Teacher, Stella Maris
“We had a kind donor from the US who had sponsored this event this afternoon, dinner. She is a continuous donor. She has sent tablets prior, clothes, goodie bags for our students and so we are happy for Ms. Shirley Young. I guess she has adopted Stella Maris now.”
The Shirley Young Foundation contributed the food and goodie bags for the children. Minister of Education Francis Fonseca sponsored a gift for each child. Shahera Young, a representative for the Shirley Young Foundation, says that the newly established organization was created to provide opportunities for success to young students.
Shahera Young
Shahera Young, Representative, Shelly Young Foundation
“What we do to accomplish this is that we have full scholarships, partial scholarships, and tuition and special awards. Special awards are given to schools from each district because we feel that they are forgetting about the people especially in Stann Creek and Toledo. That is what is unique about our foundation.”
And, it is the smiles on these children’s faces that make these events worthwhile. Whether it is receiving a toy helicopter, trucks, airplane, or kitchen set, each child’s face beams with gratitude.
Malique Requeña
Malique Requeña, Student
“Malique Requeña”
Paul Lopez
“Do you know how to spell your first name?”
Malique Requeña
“Malique Requeña”
Paul Lopez
“And what class are you in?”
Malique Requeña
“Middle Upper”
Paul Lopez
“Tell me how excited you today to receive a gift?”
Malique Requeña
“It is good and excited.”
Paul Lopez
“And how was the food? What did you have to eat?”
Malique Requeña
“Rice and beans, chicken, and salad”
Paul Lopez
“And how was it?”
Malique Requeña
“It was good. It was delicious.”
Sheree Salgado
“We know our students background. We know where they come from. We know that is will be some of their only gifts that they will be receiving here. So, the kids are always happy to receive something that they want. So, it is always a pleasure for these children to receive these things.”
The Shirley Young Foundation also donated five hundred dollars towards the Stella Maris Scholarship Program. The school’s administration ensured that all one hundred and twenty-one students received a treat.
Sheree Salgado
“This year has been, we at Stella Maris are always blessed. I can say that our year has not been a smooth road. We have our ups and downs. But, we have an excellent principal that supports our teachers and students. So, we started our school program. That is up and running. All students are being placed in a skill. We have UNICEF coming in on Friday; also do donations and the planting of trees, so we are excited for we will go out with a bang this year.”
Reporting for News Five I am Paul Lopez.
