Approximately 63 students, from kindergarten to eighth grade, performed in “A Christmas Carol” and “A Christmas Wizard of Oz.”
WPS principal Tom J. Weindl said the annual Christmas plays demonstrate the students’ sincere effort of recognizing and respecting the elders for all the valuable contributions they have made to the community.
“It’s always our pleasure to offer this program to you, our beloved elders,” he told the senior citizens yesterday. “We appreciate your presence today and we hope we bring you some fun and joy this Christmas.”
There was a special repeat presentation of the same plays last night for the students’ families and friends.
“Our children did a wonderful job today,” Weindl said. “It all comes alive when they get on stage. They prepared for it well and spent so much time memorizing their lines. It’s really a good experience for all of them.”
He said it is one of the objectives of the annual event to develop the personality of the children by encouraging them to stand up and speak before a huge crowd.
“It helps develop their self-confidence and it boosts their self-esteem,” he said, adding that the entertainment they provide to the elderly is also a good Christmas gift.
Every year, Whispering Palms School stages two musical productions — during the Christmas season and at the end of the school year.
According to teacher Rebekah Yost, the director for “Wizard of Oz,” 32 students participated in “A Christmas Carol” while 31 were involved in “A Christmas Wizard of Oz.”
The preparation and rehearsals took about four weeks and the result was satisfying, she added.
“The kids develop a good sense of teamwork when they do it. They know that if they don’t memorize their lines they will ruin somebody else who worked really hard,” she said.
According to Walter Manglona, the activities coordinator for the manamko’, the senior citizens look forward to Whispering Palms’s annual productions.
After the presentations yesterday, each student shook hands with the manamko’ while saying, “Happy holidays!”
“We’re always excited to see these children perform,” one of the senior citizens said. “We truly appreciate their gift. This is something we cannot forget.”
