Sequim High School students once again helped make Christmas time more fun and meaningful for classmates at their 2023 Winter Wishes assembly on Dec. 18.

Led by teacher Sean O’Mera, who served as master of ceremonies in the school’s gymnasium, SHS Leadership students provided presents to hundreds of students who asked — or asked on friends’ behalf — for specific items ranging from candy and flowers to a banjo and a two-by-four piece of wood.

One highlight was freshman Elizabeth Howard receiving a full scholarship to compete with the Sequim FFA trap team this school year.

Fellow freshmen Nathan Mavy and Kaydan Scouller received bicycles, with Mavy saying in an interview his previous bike was stolen.

“I’m very confused and happy,” he said about the surprise gift.

Sophomore Jessie Bainbridge asked for a knitted cat from teacher Laura Gould.

“I love it so much, and I love Mrs. Gould!” Bainbridge said.

Along with a host of presents, the school’s choir sang and cheer squads performed routines.

Sequim’s senior class won the ugly sweater contest with the most participants, and a group of freshmen received free cocoa in a spontaneous prize contest.

Becca van Dyken, a senior Leadership student, said this was her third year helping with Winter Wishes, and that students seem to “really appreciate it.”

Ellie Woodford, helping for the second year, said they were thankful for the community’s support in making it all come together with donations coming from local businesses, teachers and staff, and various clubs such as FFA and Interact Club.

Winter Wishes was organized by van Dyken, Woodford, Emma Gilliam, Katelyn Middleton-Sharpe, Abby Pedrey and Zach Post. They said students absent that day were to be given their presents later in the week or after winter break.

Sophomore Jessie Bainbridge holds up a knitted cat she received from teacher Laura Gould at Sequim High School’s Winter Wishes assembly on Dec. 18. Bainbridge said she had Gould as a teacher last year and this year and knew she knitted. “I love it so much, and I love Mrs. Gould!” she said.

Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash Ellie Woodford with Sequim High School’s Leadership class hands out a present during the school’s annual Winter Wishes assembly on Dec. 18. See story, more photos on A-3.

Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash/ Teacher Sean O’Mera encourages Nathan Mavy to try out his new bicycle he received at the Winter Wishes assembly.

Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash/ Freshman Elizabeth Howard learns from teachers Sean O’Mera and Bill McFarlen that she was gifted a scholarship to participate in the upcoming trapshooting season with Sequim FFA.

Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash/ Sequim High School students join teacher Sean O’Mera in singing “Happy Birthday” to junior Melia Nelson during the Winter Wishes assembly.

Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash/ Sequim High School’s varsity cheer squad leads fellow students in a cheer during the Winter Wishes assembly.

Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash/ Sequim High School’s choir finishes a song with emphasis at the Winter Wishes assembly.