The Women Empowerment Initiative Club (W.E.) celebrated its annual Christmas party on Tuesday, December 2 at Marist which brought together club members for an afternoon of community, creativity, and holiday cheer as they made festive cards and enjoyed an assortment of snacks.
The party was filled with holiday spirit as students gathered around tables decorated with markers, stickers, and colorful paper. Members were invited to enjoy treats such as chips and ring pops before settling in to make Christmas cards. The cards were designed for the residents and staff at Little City, a community that supports individuals with special needs between the ages of 10 and 22. Students decorated their cards with cheerful drawings, encouraging messages, and warm holiday wishes.
“I feel like the way we all work together to make people happy is what this club is really about,” said Cassie Ogarek, a senior and the president of W.E. “It’s fun, but it also gives us a chance to make a difference.”
The room buzzed with conversations, laughter, and the sound of Christmas music playing softly in the background. Students shared craft supplies, complimented each other’s designs, and chatted about their holiday plans. The welcoming atmosphere made the event feel like a small family gathering.
“I think being part of Marist is recognizing how we’re brothers and sisters for life,” said the moderator of the W.E. Ms. Tracy Amato. “Moments like this show how close our students really are.”
By the end of the party, the tables were covered with stacks of colorful cards ready to be delivered to Little City. Before leaving, students thanked Amato for organizing the celebration and for providing the treats that made the afternoon even sweeter.
W.E. is one of the many service-focused clubs offered at Marist. Throughout the year, members participate in diverse activities that promote leadership, kindness, and teamwork.
“I chose to be in this club because I want to help people…and meet strangers who care about the same things as I do,” said freshman Ryan Quinn.
At Marist, students are encouraged to get involved in extracurricular activities as a way to build friendships and strengthen the school community. W.E. blends creativity with service, giving students a place to have fun while also living out Marist’s values.
“This club is all about helping those in need and Christmas is a great time to do exactly that,” said Amato. “Helping someone brings joy not only to them but to you also and that feeling is amazing.”
The W.E. continuously encourages students to join and participate in its mission of spreading kindness throughout the school and beyond.
“Genuinely, there’s no better feeling than helping anyone you can just by simply being nice,” said Ogarek.
