St. Francis Xavier students put motto in action

Intermountain Catholic

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St. Francis Xavier students pose with the tree they decorated at Zions Bank.
Courtesy photo

KEARNS — "Love of God, Love of Others, Love of Self" is the Saint Francis Xavier Regional School motto. The Saint Francis Xavier Student Council is sharing in many service projects to help not only their school community but also their local communities. They are trying to inspire future students who may one day be a part of the student council to realize that they are not doing this for themselves but they are doing good deeds as part of a community.

During the last several weeks the council members have been collecting new and slightly used coats. They were able to supply several of their peers with new warm coats for the winter months. They were also able to donate 35 coats to their local community for those in need.

"We decided to do the coat drive because we have seen our fellow student body coming to school without a coat to keep them warm," said Marcela Vasquez, student body president.

"As we drive to school we notice others wandering the streets in the harsh weather that are without coats," said Cat Chacon, student body secretary. "Together we came up with the idea of having a coat drive for those less fortunate."

"It was a wonderful experience as we realized how many coats we had been able to collect," added Maddy Smith, historian.

"It was nice to think that these coats will be going to people in need," said Austin Candelario with a smile on his face.

This indeed was a joyous experience that the Saint Francis Xavier Student Council members say they feel was a huge success. "It started out as a simple idea that quickly grew into a very special and satisfying reward: realizing how many children we were going to keep a little warmer this winter season," said a student council advisor.

On Dec. 2 the student council members went to a local Zion's Bank to help decorate the 12-foot Christmas tree in the lobby. The student body, with the help of art teacher Anne Barber, created enough colorful handmade ornaments to cover the tree. The older students made several sizes of poinsettias, all with their own special touch. Pre-schoolers and kindergarteners made colorful garland strands. Students in grades first through fifth had a great time making snowmen, nutcrackers, angels, glitter ornaments using construction paper and items found in the art room. Javier Leon, Zions Bank branch manager, was thrilled with the final masterpiece.