By Renae Brown

On Dec. 9, the NHS and sixth-grade buddies ate donuts, drank hot chocolate with marshmallows, and created cards for the elderly in retirement homes across the valley. Needless to say, the event was full of holiday cheer and was enjoyable for the buddies to meet up before the winter break.  

   The “Holiday Buddy Meetup” was an event organized by senior and NHS buddy coordinator, Taylor McNally. Before this year there were no Halloween or Christmas events; Taylor invented this holiday event but had to make sure COVID-19 precautions were taken. She says in an email, “With the holiday season approaching so quickly, keeping everyone healthy is most definitely our priority.xx” Regarding the recent COVID-19 cases at TPA, the party was held outside, which allows people to social distance themselves. Mask wearing was also optional at people’s discretion.  

   The event was a great opportunity for buddy bonding. The sixth graders enjoyed meeting up with their buddies and having the opportunity to ask them questions and advice while making cards for the elderly.