Thomas County Central High School came alive with the sights, sounds and wrappings of Christmas. Its annual “Shop with a Yellow Jacket,” or SWAYJ, event celebrated another year Saturday, Dec. 14. High schoolers formed teams to treat younger students from schools within the Thomas County system to an exceptional holiday adventure. Though shopping is a big part of the morning, SWAYJ is a chance for the older students to give back to their community as well.

This year’s theme was “Merry & Bright,” and the school’s cafeteria and entrance ways around it featured festive decorations created by faculty, students and staff. Activities for the special guests included breakfast served by TCCHS nutrition staff, photo ops with Santa, TCCHS mascot Buzz or at a selfie station, shopping at Walmart, and wrapping presents. 

At Walmart, TCCHS cheerleaders greeted teams. Then, armed with an info folder for each child, they roamed the store’s numerous aisles to find the perfect gifts for everyone on their Christmas list. While the teams had fun, family members could delight in coffee, refreshments and conversation in the school’s main conference room. 

Once returned to TCCHS, squads wrapped gifts, aided by some knowledgeable adult elf wrappers. Also, Thomas County Middle School students donated books. 

As a parting gift, youngsters could choose several titles to take home and read with their family.