Bessemer Academy Students Enjoy a Socially Distant and Gift-Filled Holiday Reunion with Teachers

For Sharon Hong, a third-grader teacher at Bessemer Academy who has instructed remotely for the whole of the fall semester, it was a holiday gift like no other.

The chance to finally make real-life eye contact, and offer a warm greeting, to the students she has only seen on the computer screen. 

“This is the first time seeing my kids ever, so it’s been really nice,” said Ms. Hong. “We look at each other and have that moment where it’s like, ‘Hey! I finally see you.’

“Some of the students told me, ‘You’re really like short.’ Others said, ‘Oh…you’re taller than I thought you were.’ Just seeing them has been the best part of all this.”

This touching “reunion” unfolded outside of Bessemer Academy Thursday morning as part of the school’s second holiday giveaway, which coincided with the final day of instruction before winter break.

In a drive-through format, and through the cooperation of a host of community partners and private donors, nearly 270 Bobcats, preschoolers through fifth grade, took a break from asynchronous learning to receive winter wear (scarves, head covers, gloves, socks), a fleece blanket, age-appropriate book, and a Christmas stocking filled with holiday-themed treats.

The scarves were handmade by St. Therese Catholic School fifth-graders, who have adopted their fifth-grade colleagues at Bessemer Academy. And every Bobcat was bestowed with a handmade card and greeting by his or her teacher.

Families also took home weatherization kits provided by Black Hills Energy, a major sponsor of the event, and food from Agape Fellowship and Care and Share Food Bank.

“It’s been a tough year for many, so now it’s more important than ever for Black Hills Energy to find ways to celebrate and support our communities,” said Julie Rodriguez, community affairs manager for Black Hills Energy. “Supporting the Bessemer Academy in providing holiday gift boxes to all the children at their school is the least we can do to help bring joy and the holiday spirit to them.”

“It’s all about helping our families have a merry Christmas,” said Angela Garcia, Bessemer Academy’s principal. “Of course, it’s about giving the kids something for Christmas, but it’s really about the kids seeing their teachers, and teachers seeing their kids.” 

“We want our kids to know their teachers miss them and will be thinking about them over the holiday break,” added Morganlee Kempf, assistant principal at the school. “It’s important for our kids to know that.”

For the little ones, the opportunity to see their beloved teachers and take home a bevy of gifts was a holiday combination like no other.

“I got a blanket, a stocking, jump rope and even some lights,” said a bright-eyed Evastacia, a fourth-grader. “And I was excited to be able to see my teachers. It made me feel good, because I know they care for me.”

Equally as enchanted with her cache of gifts, but more so the chance to reconnect with school staff, was fifth-grader Crystal.

“It’s really thoughtful, because I know my teachers worked really hard to do this for us,” she said. “And it’s nice to see them in person, because they have been teaching us new stuff online.”

For Kristen Torres, who teaches fourth grade, and third-grade teacher Taylor Logan, the reconnecting was filled with emotion.

“It’s been awesome to see the kids and their smiling faces,” Ms. Torres said. “And I’m continuing to look forward to seeing them once we come back.” 

“For me,” Ms. Logan added, “it’s really very emotional. I miss them so much I’m trying not to cry. It’s so awesome that Bessemer Academy put this on.”

On hand as a show of support for the Bessemer Academy staff and students was Dave Feamster, a tireless community advocate.

“It’s important to be a part of the community and neighborhood and let people know that we are here for them, and to wish them a merry Christmas,” Mr. Feamster said. “We need that support from the community in order for our kids to be successful.

“So we’re all here to try to get the neighborhood together and celebrate Christmas.”

For fifth-grade teacher Dazzelle Shafer, a treasure straight from the heart of one of her students brought a noticeable warmth and glow to the chilly morning.

“I told my class I wanted a Corgi dog for Christmas,” Ms. Shafer said, opening up an envelope adorned with handwritten sentiments. Inside, awaiting retrieval, was a drawing of a golden-hued Corgi and a festive Christmas tree.

“This means everything to me,” she said. “It tells me my kids are listening to me and that they care about me as much as I care about them.

“We just have that type of relationship.”