Whobilation

Whobilation

In the movie How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the Whos from Whoville celebrate Christmas at the town Whobilation, where the Grinch is elected the Holiday Cheermaster. At Lathrop High School, the third annual Whobilation looks a bit different.

While there is still costumes, games, food and camaraderie among the Spartans dressed as Whos at Lathrop High, the purpose of this day is to focus their efforts outside of their school community.

“Our campus clubs collect the toys from students and staff, and bring them to room H2 to be donated,” explained Jennifer Santillan, Lathrop High School ASB President.

All toys collected are donated to the Native TANF in Stockton, which benefit needy families of Native American descent.

Jennifer explained that months leading up to the Whobilation celebration, there is much coordination that takes place among leadership students, club students, advisors and teachers.

“It is very much a campus-wide effort,” described Jennifer. “It takes effort from a lot of different people involved to make the event happen and operate successfully.”

Inside Ms. Allison Birakos’ leadership class, there are two club commissioners that host monthly meetings with each club president. Commissioners communicate upcoming events, school news, and specifically, actionable items. This was the first step in getting school club participation at Whobilation.

There is also a Whobilation committee formed inclusive of student council, charged with logistics, outreach, publicity, décor, and lunch time activities (LTA). These student chairs form subcommittees to see to fruition the various elements needed to accomplish Whobilation.

“LTA is responsible for making the timeline for activities happening during lunch,” detailed Jennifer. “The subcommittee consults with club advisors to charge each club with hosting an activity.”

The Whos at Lathrop High participated in a costume contest and a series of games; One of which included an eggnog challenge with an objective to drink as much eggnog as possible without using hands. While the Polynesian Club performed a culture-based routine and the cheerleaders choreographed a special Whobilation cheer performance.

“To see the development of Whobilation is really fulfilling,” expressed Jennifer.

From the first year, Jennifer explained that there was not as much campus involvement as they had hoped. But since coordinating more with the school clubs, there has been more reach, more impact, and better turnout.

"Overall, it’s a great event and I feel every school should do this. It’s not Christmas-based it’s holiday-based, getting in the spirit, wearing ugly-sweaters, etc. It actually really makes a difference around the campus," shared Jennifer.

The Native TANF hosts an annual Christmas celebration where the donated toys are given to families. A few Lathrop High students are invited to volunteer, seeing first-hand the impact of their Whobilation efforts.