Embracing the new year’s possibilities

Blankets of snow masked what was green grass, making outside an infinite white. The radios played holiday music and the mall shone with red and gold. There is warmth in our hearts that seems to be unique to these past three months. Now the New Year is here, giving us a new beginning with chance and opportunity.

The week before winter break is home to beloved traditions at Lawrence Woodmere Academy, teachers caroling in the main hallway on the morning of the last day. Students walk through a crowded hallway that is filled with the words of familiar holiday songs. It is easily one of the best ways to start the school day.

The colors red, green, white and gold seem to dance around the hallways as students and faculty dress in clothes that display holiday spirit with “ugly” Christmas sweaters and even reindeer headbands. The anticipation for winter break was on the minds of every student.

This winter season is host to many events inside and outside of our school, which focus on community and kindness. A “Toys for Tots” drive and a fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Hospital raised funds for families and children in need, tying harmoniously into the theme of giving back that is a prominent feature of our school at every season. Both fundraisers were successful in encouraging the giving spirit that goes hand-in-hand with this time of year.

This is my favorite season: The air is cold but there is a warm glow in every person that seems to shine especially brightly this month. I hold dear the opportunities to exchange presents and enjoy the company of those I love.

The year 2014 holds the opportunity to focus further on the morals and values instilled in us — giving back, being thankful, helping others — and the new year allows us time to act on them.

Aspire not to have more, but to be more. Be more of a giving person. Be more of a humble soul. Congratulations on making it to 2014!

Embrace the next 12 months with passion and vigor and don’t let the cold impede the sharing of warmth from your heart. I wish you and all those in your home a wonderful New Year.