Squires in Service | Holiday Edition

by John T. Uricheck ‘25

The Holiday season is a great time for most, but for few, it is a time of struggle. The slogan of Delone Catholic students is a Bible verse from James 1:22, which reads, “Be Doers of the Word.” At Delone Catholic, students live by this motto by helping others during the holiday season. Our Squires in service at DCHS find numerous ways to help others in our community throughout the holiday season. 

This season of service kicks off with the Thanksgiving food drive sponsored by Student Council. Students donate canned goods to local food pantries and are rewarded with a dress-down day where they do not need to wear the school uniform. The students consistently perform well with this drive, giving many unfortunate families a way to celebrate their Thanksgiving.

Early in December, Squires and Squirettes hosted a Little Squires Club Christmas party for more than 50 friends in preschool through third grade. With games, storytelling, crafts, face painting, snacks, and even a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, families enjoyed kicking off the holiday season in Squire Country. 

The Delone Catholic Interact Club leads the School’s participation in the national Toys for Tots drive. Each year, the Marine Corps Reserve coordinates a toy drive where organizations in over 800 towns place bins where people can drop off toys. At DCHS, students and teachers can donate new toys into multiple bins around the school. Throughout December, everyone can see the bins overflowing with toys until they are taken from DCHS and given out to children going through hard times. It is a joy for the students to be able to help the young needy during the Christmas season.

Squires also have the opportunity to directly purchase gifts for families in need. Campus Ministry decorates the Angel Tree in the cafeteria with ornaments specifying the ages and requests for gifts by children in a specific family sponsored by the School this holiday season. 

Another very important program to the DCHS family is Toys for Tommy. This was started in 2018 after a Delone Catholic student, Tommy Laudani ‘18 died of a rare form of cancer. His classmate Margaret Grenchik ‘18 immediately started Toys for Tommy. Toys are donated to Johns Hopkins, where Tommy was treated. This happens every Christmas and gives students the opportunity to bless children in the hospital.

Later in December, Delone Catholic’s Spanish V class continued an annual tradition of bringing holiday cheer to the Hispanic community. Students wrote children's books and, along with their teacher, Dr. Brown, traveled to Bermudian Springs Elementary School to read them to the children there. The Delone Catholic students were able to practice their Spanish and ensure everyone was ready for the holidays.

Our Squires helped not only children during the holidays but also older community members. A group of Delone Catholic students visited St. Joseph’s Village, a retirement community in McSherrystown. Dressed in festive sweaters and accessories, they sang Christmas carols to brighten the spirits of everyone this Christmas.

Through service opportunities like these and more, Squires always find a way to give back, remembering their motto and making sure to bless everybody at Christmas.

John T. Uricheck '25, a senior at Delone Catholic High School, is a journalism intern with the Advancement Department.