Kirkmere students get Christmas surprise on last day of school

YOUNGSTOWN

Eyes widened and jaws dropped as Discovery at Kirkmere students filed into the school cafeteria Tuesday afternoon.

It was the last day of school before Christmas and presents and gift bags filled the front tables and stage steps.

“The goal is that every child leaves with one item,” Principal Misha Scott said. “Some kids may not even get anything for Christmas.”

The school’s PTO conducted fundraisers, Greater Friendship Baptist Church and Victory Christian Center in Liberty donated, and teachers and staff contributed funds through the school’s dress-down days to buy the items for all 400-plus students at the school.

Seventh- and eighth-graders each got a gift bag stuffed with hygiene items: lotion, body wash, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste.

“They’re at the age where they want to smell good, and also their body chemistry is changing a little,” Scott said.

Lotion is a popular item at the school. Students request it throughout the school day from teachers, staff and other school personnel.

Third- through sixth-graders got wrapped gifts.

Read more about the project in Wednesday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.