The Holidays Come Early for SIUE East St. Louis CHS Students
Several students erupted in shouts of joy, some smiled from ear to ear, while others had a wide-eyed look of wonder. It seemed like Christmas in the halls of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School (CHS).
Actually, the holiday did come early at the end of school on Tuesday, Dec. 14 when CHS students received gifts, courtesy of SIUE’s annual Angel Tree campaign donors.
Several high schoolers dug into their holiday treasures right away, donning CHS lettermen jackets.
“Many students immediately put on their CHS lettermen jackets to show their school pride,” said CHS Director Gina Jeffries, EdD. “Their gratitude of thanks was heard throughout the building.”
“We had fittings for their lettermen jackets in late September,” said CHS Interim Assistant Principal Pamela Saffore. “Daily, the students inquired as to when they would receive their jackets.”
Other items that CHS scholars received included snack boxes and logo texting gloves. SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook, and his wife, Mary Jo Pembrook, PhD, SIUE East St. Louis Center for the Performing Arts piano instructor, were also part of the holiday cheer.
“We are extremely grateful for the annual Christmas stockings that Dr. Randy and Dr. Mary Jo Pembrook give,” Saffore enthused. “Every year, they make sure that the students have a stocking filled with nonperishables such as hot cocoa, SIUE t-shirts, Rice Krispy treats and a variety of snacks.”
“It gives me joy to know that our supporters want to see our CHS scholars prepared for school and learning,” Jeffries said. “We thank everyone for making this happen for us.”
“Our donors have been phenomenal over the years,” said CHS treasurer Anne DeToye, “and they did not let us down this year. We are grateful for the outpouring of support!”
The SIUE Charter High School is a school-of-choice for families in the East St. Louis School District 189. The mission of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School is to prepare students who are career- and college-ready upon graduation. To achieve this mission, the school and its staff will positively impact the educational and economic lives of East St. Louis, Illinois youth through individualized instruction in core academic subjects, exploration of career interests and aptitudes, assistance in realizing students’ talents, high academic goals, and expectations that graduates will become competitive employees for the 21st century.
The SIUE School of Education, Health and Human Behavior prepares students in a wide range of fields including public health, exercise science, nutrition, instructional technology, psychology, speech-language pathology and audiology, educational administration, and teaching. Faculty members engage in leading-edge research, which enhances teaching and enriches the educational experience. The School supports the community through on-campus clinics, outreach to children and families, and a focused commitment to enhancing individual lives across the region.
Photos:
(L-R): CHS senior Amiliyah Poe receives a holiday gift bag and stocking from CHS Interim Assistant Principal Pamela Saffore.
CHS staff-turned-Santa-helpers from left to right are: George Laktzian, Ronald Irving, Bridget Nelson, Edith Laktzian, Liza Cummings, PhD; and Mildred Fort. Center is Bridgett Nelson.
