Cove High club brings Christmas to students with exceptional needs

By NATALIE MARSHALL

Special to Leader-Press

Cove High School student Cheyann Stewart believes that giving is better than receiving. This Christmas, she proved it to her fellow students during the season of giving.

Steward is the president of the student organization Meet in the Middle, which advocates the value of all people regardless of their culture or ability.

“Don’t judge others on the outside because it’s what is on the inside that counts,” said Stewart said who has grown up in a community that exemplifies the importance of individuality surrounded by diverse cultures due to the close proximity of Fort Hood.

Thirty-nine members of the organization planned a Secret Santa party Life Skills students who require exceptional opportunities. Teacher Britney Green works with the Life Skills class and watched as club members participated with Life Skills students in board games while inquiring about personal interests and hobbies. Students without verbal skills were assisted by paraprofessional staff members.

“Cheyann approached me one day about hosting a Secret Santa party. We set up a time for both groups of students to interact on a personal level,” Green said.

Meet in the Middle club members drew names to match each one up with a Life Skills student. Each club member thoughtfully spent time shopping to purchase gifts using his own money. Green said it was a heartfelt moment when the Life Skills students and high school staff members entered the room with Christmas music playing in the background. Stockings had been decorated with each recipients name, a tree bearing ornaments with their names had been created, and refreshments were served with dietary needs in mind.

“It was truly a blessing to see my students light up as they opened their Christmas gift,” she said. “Knowing a student who loves to read receive a book or a student who likes trains receive his favorite train was just touching.”