Rock Canyon High School National Honors Society members set up a “Giving Tree” this year and coordinated needed items for five families in Douglas County.

Article and photos by Riley Busch, RCHS intern writer

Community service has been an important part of Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) for many years, and this holiday season the students at RCHS went above and beyond to give to others in need, bringing new light to the acts of good done for the community.  Multiple clubs, organizations, and groups all around the school have worked hard this past holiday season to bring health and happiness to others around the world.     

In RCHS National Honor Society (NHS), students and leaders set up a “Giving Tree.”  The group collectively chose five families within Douglas County that were in need of different items for the winter and worked to get items to give to them.  “I hope that the giving impacts them,” stated Nicole Gambatese, teacher and NHS leader.  “A lot of things they need are things like winter coats, gloves, and that kind of stuff.  I’m really hoping that we will help them out this winter season.”

The school’s Fellowship of Christian Students (FCS) worked on a more global scale.  This year, the group took time to participate in Operation Christmas Child, a worldwide organization that helps provide children in need with Christmas gifts.  Eleven boxes were packed for girls and boys in need.  Though small, these simple acts have the ability to make a huge difference.  “These acts of kindness can show others kindness, goodness, and love while spreading a good word to others around us.” said Tyler Cooke, RCHS student and Castle Pines resident.

After the recent tragic attacks in Paris, the World Language Department jumped at the opportunity to help.  Students within Alexis Savas’s class decorated various tin cans and went around collecting funds during lunch time to help victims in Paris.  Their cause, Pennies for Paris, has raised a good amount of money that has been donated to a partner of the Foundation de France, a nonprofit that aids in the needs of France and its people.

From helping those across the street to those across the world, the Rock Canyon students have made a huge impact on many lives.  With opportunities to help ever growing, there will be many chances in the future to give back to the community that has given its members so much.  Even in our daily lives, no matter how busy or cluttered, we can make a difference!

Artwork done by students showing their support and concern for the Paris attacks.  Notes and contributions to the Paris cause can be found all throughout RCHS.

As part of the many community service events at Rock Canyon High School, the National Honors Society members prepared a holiday banner to promote their Giving Tree charity event.