Ruthie Hutchons sat with her pad of paper and pen in hand.
The spotlight shined on her in the Clarkston High School Performing Arts Center as she thought for a moment.
‘Dear Santa,? she spoke as she began writing on the paper.
The poem for Wolvestock 2010 wasn’t about about what she desired for Christmas, but a comedic letter from Mrs. Claus to her husband about her frustrations in the relationship and her plans for the future.
She performed it during Wolvestock, the last main event during last week as high school students and the community raised money for various charities.
The night featured music, dance, poetry and acting in the auditorium while patrons could appreciate art the students created during the year in the media center.
The events were organized and ran by the high school’s Leadership Education and Development, each day featured a different event to raise money.
Students, friends and family came out for the 5th Annual Poetry Slam to help the Care House of Oakland County, the leading resource in prevention of child abuse and neglect.
Students and high school staff members battled cancer on the court in the Jimmy V Volleyball tournament. Admission and buying a heart went to the V Foundation – funding cancer research and related programs.
The money raised from admission and concession during Wolvestock went to the Covenant House, providing shelter and services to children and youth who are homeless
Funds were also raised during last week for the Clarkston Food Bank.
The LEAD program is ran by the students and they recently received the Oakland Schools and Oakland Press Excellence in Education Program Award.
‘The students do what they do because it’s the right thing to do,? said Aaron Dobson, LEAD Advisor. ‘An award doesn’t impact it either way, but it does help them see they are making an impact. People appreciate their commitment to others and that they accept the challenge to grow as people.?
Other programs receiving the award are ran by staff and administrators in their respective districts.
‘I was proud the hard work, innovation, and service of these amazing Clarkston students was respected and held up along the work of adults,? said Dobson.