It is almost Easter, so the class councils showed their Easter spirit at the 16th annual Easter Egg Hunt at Saint Viator High School on March 13. Kids from ages two to 10 enjoyed and participated in Easter festivities organized by Mrs. JoAnne Francis and the class council moderators. Each year about 700 families from local parishes and grade schools attend the family fair. The profits made from the entry fee go directly to a children’s charity.

At this event, children enjoyed more than 20 carnival games, including favorites such as bowling, golf and a fish pond. The cake walk, where children walk along various numbers until the leader says stop and then receive a prize for being on the correct number, is always a big hit. Crafts, such as planting sunflower seeds and face painting, are also available.

“The highlight is the Easter Egg Hunt, which the Easter bunny leads,” said Mrs. Francis.

There are three different egg hunts separated into age groups. Each child brings his or her own basket and collects eggs, candy and crafts from the various activities. Approximately 8,000 pieces of candy are used as prizes, and 3,200 Easter eggs are filled with candy.

Student council members contribute greatly to this event by preparing for it, working the games and crafts and cleaning up after it ends. Members of the class councils help prepare by stuffing each Easter egg. At the event, groups of student council members are assigned game or craft stations to work at. In addition, someone will dress up as the Easter bunny for the event.

Evidently, the Easter egg hunt is a favorite because it has been put on each year since 2001.

“Many of the current student council students remember attending the carnivals when they were little!” said Mrs. Francis. “Even though the Easter egg hunt is put on for children, it becomes a great opportunity for the student council members to interact with younger kids and be good role models.”

Caroline Lavender, vice president of the freshman class council, agreed.  “I really think the interaction with the children at the Easter Egg Hunt exemplifies the connection and effort Saint Viator students put into service and the benefit it has on others,” she said.

The parents and grandparents also favor the Easter egg hunt. The event provides them with a chance to see that teenagers can be positive role models and leaders for the community. Each year, the class councils receive compliments on the event, especially on the students.

“Who knows? Maybe these little ones will become Lions in the future!” said Mrs. Francis.