Mazama students  visit elementary schools to read with students

Dec. 18, 2025 / Mazama High School National Honor Society students spent Dec. 18 visiting four elementary schools — Ferguson, Stearns, Peterson, and Shasta — sharing stories, creativity, and holiday cheer with kindergarten, first- and third-grade students.

Led by English language arts teacher and NHS advisor Shayla Lakey, the students visited classrooms to read “Sneezy the Snowman” and guide younger students through an art coloring activity. The visits were among the group’s community service projects that emphasize leadership, service, and connection within the Mazama school community.

“National Honor Society is all about leadership and service,” Lakey said. “This is a way for our students to connect with the roots of our school — our future Vikings. By visiting these classrooms, they’re giving back and building relationships.”
Twenty-five National Honor Society students participated in the visits. The high school students spent time reading with children, answering questions, and hosting the art activity. Mazama’s mascot, the Viking, also came along for the visit, high-fiving the young students and accepting hugs.

Bella Simmons, a Mazama junior and National Honor Society member, said working with younger students is one of the most rewarding aspects of NHS service.

“You can tell right away when something makes a difference for them,” she said. “They’re excited, they’re engaged, and that makes it really rewarding. This time of year should be about giving, and it’s meaningful to be able to share that with younger students.”

In addition to the elementary school visits, Mazama High School National Honor Society students also organized a Toys for Tots drive this holiday season. Students encouraged donations through classroom presentations and a friendly competition to see which class could collect the most toys. Overall, students collected 125 toys with junior class winning thanks to over-the-top donations by Cristian Cervantes.