Hopi JROTC conducts Toys for Tots toy drive

HOPI RESERVATION, Ariz. - The Hopi High School JROTC hosted their sixth annual toy drive for the children who had achieved academic excellence in their class. On Dec. 12, 10 JROTC cadets delivered toys to five elementary schools which included Keams Canyon, First Mesa, Second Mesa, Hopi Day, and Hotevilla/ Baccavi Community Schools.

The cadets left school at 8:30 a.m. The cadets who participated were Cadet 1st Lieutenant Angelo Dixon, Cadet 2nd Lieutenant Amber Naha, Cadet 2nd Lieutenant Dominique Halwood, Cadet 2nd Lieutenant Wendy Koniva, Cadet 2nd Lieutenant Whitney Damgaard, Cadet 2nd Lieutenant Robyn Wadsworth, Cadet Private Kachina Jenkins, Cadet Private Trisha Puhuyesva, Cadet Private Josette Delowe and Cadet Private Joseph Nahsonhoya, along with special "cadet" Santa Claus, who also made a guest appearance.

During the first week of December, members of the Bruin Battalion brought toys to their JROTC class to give to the students of those of who are the top of their class in all five schools.

The cadets gave 16 presents to eight boys and girls in every school from kindergarten to third grade. The kids were thrilled to receive presents, but were astonished that Santa Claus came to congratulate them on their job well done.

From school to school, the children were amazed to see Santa. The children also enjoyed their presents; they could hardly control themselves from opening up their presents. Also the cadets tried to hide Santa but the kids had already seen him. They were so glad to be able to talk to Santa and to tell him what they wanted for Christmas.

When the cadets got to the last school, which was Hotevilla/Baccavi Community School, they realized that they were short by a few presents. So Santa went to tell the students that he would bring their gifts next week. When the kids at Hotevilla saw Santa, they went crazy. Even without their gifts they thought they received the greatest gift of all by meeting Santa in person. After the long rewarding day, the cadets made their way back to school.

Cadet 1st Lieutenant Dixon said, "I enjoyed visiting the students at their schools. All the students were well-behaved. I hope to see more students next year excel in class."

Second Lieutenant Naha added, "The cadets did a great job and we made a lot of little kids happy."

Many of the Cadets hoped that next year, they would have more students participate in the event.