On December 14th the Glennallen school was full of holiday cheer as the elementary students presented their annual Christmas Program. Both girls and boys were dressed in their best Christmas attire and filled to the brim with holiday joy. Before the showing of the first program, pizza, salad, and drinks were offered in the commons. The pre-show meal was a fundraiser for the students' spring trip to Washington, D.C. with the Close Up program. Close Up is a non-profit organization that seeks to provide all young people with the opportunity to be informed about the history and current issues of the United States government. 

After the dinner, the kindergarten, first and second graders entertained the audience with their Christmas play, “How to Train Your Reindeer (to Fly).” The play begins on graduation day at the School of Reindeer with many Christmas trees and elves in attendance. The reindeer, played by Mrs. Carty’s second-grade class, have learned nearly every skill required to become one of Santa’s reindeer except for the art of flying. Gabriel Jangala starred as the hilarious Coach Catapult, pronounced Ca-TAH-pult who helps oversee the reindeers' first flying lesson. After a few crash landings, Coach Catapult, along with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, teach the graduating reindeer that it is the kindness in your heart that allows you to fly. Lucan McMahan, a kindergartener in Mr. Purcell’s class, played the role of a Christmas tree. He admits that while sitting is difficult for a tree he did enjoy singing the holiday songs. 

During intermission, the Glennallen High School Theatre sold cookies and hot cocoa as a fundraiser for their trip to the Performing Arts Center in Anchorage. The theatre students hope to attend Rodgers & Hammerstein's "The King & I" this spring. Brynna Gerlach, a theatre student, is looking forward to the “opportunity to see professional theatre," and hopes the class even gets backstage passes.

The Glennallen Elementary Christmas program continued with the third, fourth, and fifth graders presenting “The Reindeer Whisperer''.  During the play, Christmas is once again threatened when Santa’s reindeer refuse to fly. In desperate need of help, Mr. Claus calls the famous reindeer whisperer, Caesar Salaad! Played by fifth-grader Jason Carty, the comical whisperer uses his special talent to reveal the truth of why the reindeer won’t fly. In the nick of time, Christmas is saved! All the elves, reindeer, and even the audience are reminded that words and kindness truly matter. The Christmas Program can be viewed online for those who were unable to make the showing in person, wish to share it with family members, or simply want to enjoy the program again! Great job Glennallen Elementary Students!