News

Santa’s Surprise Visit to SWHS

Adam Albaghdadi, Nihaal Thakran, and Nirvaan Thakran • December 18, 2024

Hailey Deptula

Hodge Claus, Carlson the Elf, & Mrs Barrett celebrate after raising 162$ for cancer research.

Every year, two of South Windsor High School’s teachers, Mr. Dave Hodge and Mr. Heath Carlson dress up as Santa Claus and an Elf for the holiday season.

Hodge and Carlson are both known and loved by the community. Hodge is not only a business teacher but also a football and track coach, and has the ability to create strong connections with all types of students. Carlson is also a teacher at the school, teaching Physics and other classes and hosts the morning announcements.

This year was different with the new addition of Mrs. Barrett Claus, a marketing teacher, joining them on raising money.

The two worked with the Bobcat Student Council to raise money for The Jimmy V Cancer Research Foundation by offering a picture with Santa Claus for a charge of $1.00.

Students love donating and taking pictures with Hodge and Carlson, as they tend to get into character very well.

Isaac Gerber, who has taken a picture with Hodge and Carlson in the past few years, personally loves the HodgeClaus tradition.

“It was cool taking a picture with them and my friends, and they always bring a holiday spirit to the Bobcats,” junior Isaac Gerber told The Prowl.

Going on for over 6 years now, this event has become a tradition, and hopefully will continue and keep growing as time goes on.

¨Hodge Claus and Carlson Elf are always a highlight during the holiday season, especially this year having Mrs. Barrett Claus! Teachers, students and staff were excited to take a photo and donate to the cause,¨ senior Hailey Deptula stated.

This event has been going on longer than Ms Ullinger has been the student council advisor, inheriting the position from the previous advisor.

This year was another success in which the event raised around $162.00 for the Jimmy V Cancer Research foundation.

Senior Fadel Kafel agrees, claiming that the two managed to bring holiday cheer to the Bobcats once again.

“Seeing the two really filled me up with joy, and it was a great way to start off the holiday spirit week,” said Kafel.

Hodge and Carlson do their part in making the people around them happy, and it is important that we all do so as well for the holidays this season.

About the Contributors

Adam Albaghdadi, Social Media Editor

Adam Albaghdadi is a senior at South Windsor High School. Albaghdadi is the Social Media Editor for The Bobcat Prowl. He oversees all The Prowls social media content, along with helping other staff writers with their articles. He also plays varsity football and lacrosse for SWHS. Albaghdadi enjoys spending time with family and friends, and can be found at football and LAX games.

Nihaal Thakran, Staff Writer

Nihaal Thakran is a senior at South Windsor High School. He is the fourth time returning class president, and is a varsity captain for the Bobcats football team. Nihaal loves sports and has played football for 7 years now. He loves listening to music, and he listens to music the majority of his day. He works at the local Dairy Queen during his free time, as well.

Nirvaan Thakran, Staff Writer

Nirvaan is a freshman at South Windsor High School. This is his first year in Journalism writing for The Bobcat Prowl. He is currently playing for the SWHS football team, and is planning on playing Lacrosse in the spring. Nirvaan loves sports and has been playing them since he was very little. He enjoys spending time with his family, and listens to music to calm him down.