Coronado Cougars show they care

By Mandy Walton

Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2008 | 11:46 a.m.

Christmas, while of course a religious holiday for some, is definitely the holiday children look forward to all year. Their behavior during the long months before Christmas is usually predicated on the hopes of making it on Santa's "good" list.

But what about the families who, while they'd like to give their kids a nice Christmas, are not as fortunate as those who frequent the toy stores this time of year? As a parent myself, I understand what it means to see your child's eyes light up when their wishes have been granted. Not having the opportunity to do that for my child would be heartbreaking.

For the second year, students at Coronado High School are granting the wishes of both parents and children who are less fortunate in our community. By partnering with Robert Taylor Elementary School, the "Cougars Care" program puts the high school students to work adopting families of children who attend Taylor Elementary.

Organized by student council advisors Natalie Gubler and Florencia Nespolo, entire class periods of students take on families anonymously. Last year, 70 children benefited from this program.

"Taylor provides us with the names of needy children in Henderson, their sizes, needs and wishes for the holiday season. Each participating class then takes their child's list and buys items accordingly," said Mary Falco, activities secretary at Coronado High.

"Some teachers assign students to purchase specific items, while others collect money, and other students go out to shop," she said.

Katherine Busby, a counselor at Taylor Elementary, said being on the receiving-end of the program can be emotional.

"Last year, when the students brought over all the gifts they had collected, I just started to cry. And when we passed out the gifts to the parents to take home to put under the tree, I cried again. You should have seen the parents' faces," she said.

Clearly, Coronado is granting wishes for more than just the children who deserve a new toy or outfit to wear to school. Their example of generosity and selflessness is felt by students, administrators, and others alike.

"It is overwhelming," says Busby.

The giver who empties his hands always returns with a full heart. When asked how they felt about participating in such a giving program, some of the Coronado students said the following:

"Cougars Care is a great way to bring the students of Coronado together. Not only does it promote unity, it fosters the spirit of giving." - Paige Johannessen, a senior and Student Body President.

"It is a very successful and heart-warming program that gets everyone in the holiday spirit." - Kekoa Piena, a senior.

"It's great that we give presents to these poor children who wouldn't have a Christmas without us." -JaNon Pescio, a junior.

"The thrill of walking into a store and knowing the presents you buy will bring a smile upon a child's face is something I'll never forget." - Christina Howell, a junior.

"I feel good about giving other families a Christmas they will never forget." - Chris Buenaventura, a senior.

Henderson is not only "A Place to Call Home," as defined by our City logo. It's also a place where others in the community can make you feel at home. That's what's happening at Coronado High School.