Every holiday season here at MIA is filled with a contagious cheer. The school is decked from head to toe with Christmas trees, tinsel, fake snow, and everything else you could imagine that is Christmas-related, with our very own Interact club being the masterminds behind it.
Interact is a club focused on volunteering and creating a positive environment at the school and in the community. The club meets every Friday at 7:45 am and is led by the club president, Lily Chiscavage, and the club advisor, Miss Scott.
To begin the holiday season, Interact recently held its annual Fall Festival here at MIA. This is where families can enjoy classic Halloween activities. Children participated in apple bobbing, fall-themed cookie decorating, and face painting. This event is a huge hit every year and a fan favorite among Interact’s events. Lily Chiscavage, Interact Club president, expresses “It was a very fun and definitely festive experience for children to immerse themselves in the Fall atmosphere.
As the Christmas season approaches, Interact hosted its annual Santa’s Arrival event. This event will took place on Friday, November 28th at 5pm. Families all over Marco, and even those visiting for Thanksgiving, were invited to come to MIA and enjoy all the Christmas games and activities. This event gave children the opportunity to decorate cookies and ornaments, play Pin the Nose on Rudolph, and even meet Saint Nick himself.
Additionally, Interact has its own special elf, ZAMBLAC, that arrived on December 1st. Students from the entire school—not just Interact—will have the chance to search for ZAMBLAC each day. Those who find him will then compete to find an additional elf for a chance to win a special prize.
Following these events, Interact is looking forward to hosting the Pet Parade on December 9th. This event takes place at the Esplanade, where pets come dressed in fun and festive outfits and are judged based on their creativity.
Focusing on just MIA, on December 11th, Interact will hold its Milk and Cookies sale at the Manta Ray Cafe to continue spreading holiday cheer. The following day, Interact will also be hosting its Christmas party.
One of the most looked forward to events of the year, from both the school and community, is the Christmas Float Parade. This will take place on December 13th and start at 6:30 pm, and Marco Island Academy will be showcasing a Wicked-themed float—everyone is encouraged to participate. Amanda Fonseca, a cheerleader expected to march in the parade this year, exclaims that “Being in the parade was really fun last year, and I’m excited to see all the smiles this year.”
Along with this, Interact is hosting a toy drive event that has been going on since early November and ends on December 13th, where the toys will be delivered during the parade. Students are encouraged to bring in toys and donate to children in need. This event is one of the most important things that they do all year, and it is highly promoted around the school for every student to bring in at least one toy. Students will also receive volunteer hours for each item they bring in. One gift can truly make a child’s Christmas morning more magical.
For more information about upcoming events, contact Lily Chiscavage at [email protected] or Miss Scott at [email protected]
