Earlier this month, administrators from Saint Anne’s Institute in Albany conducted a recognition ceremony for students at Columbia High School who gave gifts to pre-school students leading up to the holidays.
Columbia Cheerleaders and members of Leaders of Tomorrow Leading Today participated in their annual gift exchange with the preschool students of Saint Anne’s Institute in December. Everyone was elated that the gift exchange could take place in person after two years of virtual gift exchanges.
This longstanding tradition, 24 years, filled the holiday wishes of 37 preschool students. The preschool students and Columbia students alike look forward to this event annually. Everyone involved was delighted to witness the preschool students’ genuine joy and appreciation for the gifts. The trip was complete with a visit from Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.
On February 16, administrators from Saint Anne’s, Sandra Tarkleson and Angela Fedullo, conducted a recognition ceremony for students at Columbia High School. During this presentation, students were presented with certificates and pins honoring their charitable acts during the holiday season.
St. Anne’s Institute CEO Richard Hucke:
“St. Anne Institute is extremely proud of the many acts of kindness and the philanthropic nature of the 46 students of East Greenbush Central School District. It is often said that what you give to someone else, comes back ten-fold, and we send wishes of success, health, and happiness to all involved in making the dreams of our clients come true.”
Leaders of Tomorrow Leading Today Advisor – Rune Williams:
“As the Advisor for Leaders of Tomorrow Leading Today for many years, I am very proud of our students and their generous giving to those less fortunate. It is a pleasure to see their interaction with the students and the smiles they put on the kid’s faces. It is an event that all my students look forward to every year!”
Varsity Cheerleading Head Coach – Rhiannah Johnson:
“This is something the Columbia Cheerleading program looks forward to every year. The cheerleaders love picking out gifts but more than anything they love watching the little ones open them. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing these interactions and watching the smiles form on everyone’s faces. I’m so glad the cheerleaders were able to once again do this in-person. We look forward to next year!”
Math Teacher & Cheer Coach – Christine Kawczak
“This Columbia Cheer tradition is something that our program has done for more than the 14 years I’ve been honored to take part in it. Saint Anne’s is our favorite event of the holiday season, we love giving back to the community. The overwhelming generosity of our East Greenbush families impresses us annually, and this year was no different. Our Columbia student volunteers supplied gifts for 37 preschool students. Best of all, we were able to return to an in-person gift exchange, spending quality time with the preschool students.”