On Tuesday, December 19, students and employees from across the school gathered in the Field House for Germantown Academy's 34th annual CSO Holiday Program. Ushered in to the Upper School Jazz Band’s rendition of “Santa Claus is Coming To Town,” everyone arrived bearing toys, clothes, gift cards, and basic necessities to make the holiday season a little brighter and more comfortable for those in need. The gifts will go to support children and families through Whosoever Gospel Mission, Carson Valley Children's Aid, Broad Street Ministry, Mitzvah Circle, Cradles to Crayons, Gemma Services, Shriners Hospital for Children, and Southwest Community Enrichment Center of Philadelphia.

Coordinated by faculty advisors Anthony Commale and Bob Moyer 1760, the CSO senior leaders Zander Shallow, Olivia Curran, Gianna Grosso, Lucy McFadden, Grace Taylor, Kayla Sweeney, and Olivia Krey served as speakers at the event and introduced the work done by each of the charities. They were assisted by Sanya Bandekar '25, Elaine Li '24, Eve Kraynak '24, Grace Boynton '25, and many other CSO “elves.”

The program also featured performances by the Upper School Singing Patriots, the 8th Grade Chorus on Morris, and the Upper School Jazz Band, along with some delightfully awkward previously recorded jokes and songs performed by some brave faculty. One of the highlights of the event was a cross-divisional sled race which saw the winner of the Upper School sled racing event, Washington House, pull out another victory, this time against their divisional faculty rivals.

The Holiday Program serves as a touchstone that not only signals winter break is near, but reminds us of what’s important—caring, generosity and kindness.

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