The most magical place on Earth came to WS right before winter break as the choir department transformed the cafeteria into a magical Disney wonderland.
“It’s like being in Disney World and it’s close to home,” said parents walking their kids around the WS cafeteria to see the choir students dressed up as all their favorite Disney characters.
For years, all four of the WS choirs have joined together to organize their biggest fundraiser of the year, Breakfast with Santa, an event to support their department while also bringing fun and cheer to little kids who live nearby.
The money they raise goes towards reducing the cost of their Spring Trip. This year they’re going to Chicago.
The festivities of the event included food, a cupcake walk, face painting, writing letters to Santa Claus, making ornaments, and taking a picture with Santa. All the while, angelic choir voices serenade the crowd with Christmas carols.
Their repertoire included songs ranging from the classic “Frosty the Snowman,” to the modern pop Christmas anthem, “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey. Many little kids treat the event with great importance arriving in style dressed up nicely or in princess dresses.
A big aspect of the event is who’s who. Choir students get to dress up as Disney characters, often choosing ones that they look at a lot alike.
In past years the students were assigned characters but with the new choir teacher, Mr. Brandt, the students get the opportunity to choose which character they will transform into for the day.
“I like it better this year because you get to choose your costume now and it’s more fair,” said junior Maddie Budreau, dressed as The Hunchback of Notre Dame’s Esmerelda.
Mr. Brandt himself even dressed up as Buddy the Elf. More than just dressing up as the characters, the students are expected to BE the characters.
“We talked to the kids as if we were the character,” said freshman Mary Debolt, “I was a happy Eyore, though.”
All the students agree, the kids are the best part of the event. Their positive attitudes combine with those of the choir students to make for an all-around cheerful time.
“Seeing how excited the children get and the little sparkle in their eye when they see their favorite characters is my favorite part,” said senior Nyc Nyguen, dressed as Mulan.
In the opposite perspective, for the kids, seeing the high schoolers dressed up is their favorite part. They really believe that they are talking to Cinderella and Prince Charming.
“My favorite part was that I got to see some of my favorite Disney characters,” said five year old Bellana, “and I told Santa that I want an American Girl Doll!”