The smell of pizza fills the air. Kids are lined up to get a cup of delicious hot chocolate. Children giggle alongside high school students, making memories that will last a lifetime.
The Sweethearts host events throughout the school year, such as the Future Sweetheart Clinics. For the winter, the Sweethearts are hosting a Christmas PJ Party for students in kindergarten up to eighth grade.
“We have so many people interested in our Fall and Spring Future Sweetheart Clinics,” Sweethearts director Kaylee Trotter said. “So we wanted to provide a winter option. We also wanted to provide parents an opportunity to be kid-free for a night while reaching out to our Future Sweethearts and other Future Wildkats.”
During the fun-filled event, the participants will have many activities to do and keep them busy.
“We plan on playing games, making crafts, a little bit of dancing and watching a holiday movie with the participants,” Trotter said. “We will group participants based on their age and gender so that the games and crafts can be age-appropriate. Since this is our first year hosting this event, we will have about two to three participants per Sweetheart.”
This event is an opportunity to interact with the Sweethearts in a more personal setting, making memories before entering high school.
“For the PJ Party,” freshman Katelyn Hyche said. “I’m most excited to experience making these future Wildkats have a memorable night and get them ready for the holidays.”
To keep up with the holiday spirit, attendees will watch a Christmas-themed movie and receive a gift to bring back home.
“We are planning to watch ‘The Polar Express,’” junior Makayla Baird said. “The kids will get a cute golden ticket and a golden bell just like the movie. I’m excited to work with the little kids, I want to enjoy time with them so their parents know their kids are in safe hands.”
Though this event is new this year, with good feedback from participants and parents, it could become a tradition.
“Although this event isn’t tied to a big performance like our Fall and Spring Clinics,” Trotter said. “It gives our Future Sweethearts and Future Wildkats time to interact with the Sweethearts in a more personal setting. We currently have a good number of children registered, and expect a fun-filled night. Depending on feedback from the parents and the participants, we will consider making this an annual event.”
