Editor’s Note: The following was submitted to The Renton Reporter by staff writers for The Arrow, Renton High School’s school newspaper.
By Alicia Ing and Thanh-Truc Nguyen (RHS Arrow Staff Writers)
On the chilly afternoon of Dec. 9, Renton High School’s Ambassadors, a club with the main goal of giving back to the community, hosted the second Royal Christmas Tea Party for local children and their families.
The event is aimed at bringing together kids in the community for a semiformal affair to celebrate the holidays.
This year’s event featured a musical accompaniment by the Renton High School orchestra led by Darlene Rose, in addition to games such as “Pin the heart on the Grinch” and “Decorate the human Christmas tree.”
Kids were able to make their own tree ornaments, unwrap presents and take home their very own teacups and saucers at the end of the evening.
Renton High School’s administration got involved with Principal Giovanna San Martin and her husband playing the roles of Santa and Mrs. Claus. This event was made possible by donations from local businesses and countless hours of hard work by Ambassador students and their advisor Jessica DiAsio.
Without question, the centerpiece of the Royal Tea Party was the beautiful backdrop for the pictures with Santa photo station. Intricately drawn and painted, the art piece displayed a stone path with light poles, framed by snow covered trees and even Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
Helen Ta, a member of the Ambassadors, took the lead on creating the backdrop, spoke on how rewarding it was to see her efforts pay off.
“It’s a heartwarming thing to see a community come and be able to smile together. Seeing people take pictures with it made me feel like when we look back at this event, that’s what we’ll remember most,” she said.
Seyum Belete, a sophomore at Renton High, attended the event with his two sisters. He explained how he rarely spends quality time with them since he is often busy studying or doing homework
“It was nice taking time out of our busy schedules and hang out with the big ball of energy that is my 11-year-old sister,” Belete said.
DiAsio, a Language Arts, Leadership and Journalism teacher, was decked out as an elf in festive gear for the Tea Party.
In talking to her Ambassadors, she said, “I want you guys to have fun and enjoy what you’ve created with the people around you. Because when it comes down to it, we’re creating events for others to be present in the moment, and for us to be present in those moments with them too.”
Rhonda Spicnale, who brought her granddaughters to the event for the second year, said, “I think it’s a great way to bring the community together, in an inexpensive way. Things like this event is a great way just to spend time with grandkids.”
When Megan Barker, another returner to the tea party, was asked why she came back this year, she said “It’s the first thing my girls asked about when the holiday season came around.”
Barker has marked this event in her calendar for as long as it is available because it brings her girls so much joy, she said.
Photos are courtesy of the Arrow staff.
