The season of Giving

(Above) Clear Lake High School Assistant Principal Dale Ludwig (left) and Principal Chris Murphy were on the receiving end of several shaving cream pies thrown by students Tuesday morning in celebration of reaching their fundraising goal for The Giving Tree.  Here, junior Nico McPherren delivers a blow.-Reporter photos by Chris Barragy.

[caption id="attachment_14584" align="alignleft" width="270"] Student/Family Services Coordinator Sally Duesenberg (left) leads the applause as teacher Mike Lester presents a $560 check to Clear Lake Mirror-Reporter Publisher Mike Finnegan for The Giving Tree. At right is school nurse Julie Livingston, who brought The Giving Tree idea to the Mirror-Reporter 26 years ago with retailer Valores Young. -Reporter photo[/caption]

Clear Lake High School students spent much of their final day of school before the holiday break celebrating the season and each other in a variety of fun activities.

An assembly was held in the gymnasium Tuesday morning to kick off the fun day.  A key piece of the program was the presentation of a check for $560 to Clear Lake Mirror-Reporter Owner/Publisher Mike Finnegan to benefit The Giving Tree.  The tree, in its 26th year, benefits local families who sign up for a little help during the holiday season.  Community members purchase gifts and food cards for those represented by ornaments on the tree. The morning program also included recognition of academic and extra-curricular success, a dance featuring teachers and more fun.