RUMFORD — In what will surely become an annual event, Mountain Valley High School staff, their children and grandchildren gathered for a holiday celebration. Student volunteers helped with face painting, cookie decorating and crafts.

Santa Claus, direct from the North Pole, made a guest appearance to check out who was naughty and nice. He met with each child to listen to Christmas wishes.

Principal Matt Gilbert said, “MVHS has a culture of supporting our students and our staff like a huge family. When receptionist Peggy LaPointe came to me with the idea of the party, I asked what I could do to support her. Basically, I stood out of the way.”

“Peggy organized the whole thing with help from Lorraine Tanguay’s students,” Gilbert continued. “It was a real treat to meet the kids and grandkids of staff members. We hear about these kids all the time and now we have the faces with the names.”

After the event, the staff email folder was full of appreciation.

Science teacher Craig Dilman wrote, “A huge thank you goes out to Peggy and all of the ‘elves’ who helped out with the Christmas party Saturday for the kids/grandkids of staff members. We had a great time. My grandson is already looking forward to doing it again.”

Student volunteers included Victoria Baptiste, Kayla Drapeau, Karen Flaherty, Renee Knox, Shelby McDiffett and Sydney Petrie. The party was funded by donations.