St. Francis Xavier students spread cheer to the wider community

Photo courtesy of Saint Francis Xavier Regional School

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KEARNS — At Saint Francis Xavier Regional School, the entire student body knows the motto "Love of God, Love of Others, Love of Self." Student council members represented their school in demonstrating "love of others" at the Riverton branch of Zions Bank on Dec. 7.

In early December, each student at the school created a hand-made ornament or segment of garland to decorate a Christmas tree for Zions employees and patrons. In return, Zions made a $100 donation to the school.

Branch manager Ben Young was overwhelmed by the handmade ornaments as Student Council members displayed them. All students were represented by both their handiwork and their elected representatives. Pre-school and prekindergarten students made a star tree-topper with help from their teachers, while those in kindergarten through 5th grade made handcrafted ornaments under the direction of art instructor Melissa Castellano, and the middle school students created two garlands. In fact, the students made such an abundance of decorations that they overflowed the Christmas tree! Student council members placed additional decorations around the rest of the bank, leaving no student out.

Tellers and customers were delighted to see young people spreading Christmas cheer around the office.

Advisers Lisa Rose and Mary Cremer were proud to see the students take time and care to display each ornament. Student Body President Austin Candelario, 8th grade, said he appreciated the opportunity to represent the school. "Projects like this bring us closer together and closer to the communities outside our school," he said. "We do these projects in the service of God."

Student Body Vice President Hailey Smith, 7th grade, said, "This experience has shown me that when we work together we can accomplish anything. It has also shown me that St. Francis Xavier School is very hardworking and even more creative!"

The students were pleased to be able to bring a gift back to their school, but most were overjoyed to be doing something beneficial for the wider community. In the true spirit of Advent, St. Francis Xavier students are readying their hearts for Christmas by loving others and living their school motto. According to 8th grade Representative Manny Condas, "I think that decorating the tree is a way of reaching out to the community, and it is very important for us as Christians to reach out to others as we prepare for Jesus."