By Karen Donato
Special to the Pioneer Times
As we all try to be open for change, it is comforting to know that there are traditions still being carried on. The Wellington School in Monticello is home to students in pre-K through grade 3 who reside in the communities of Littleton and Monticello. Every February the school is decorated throughout with hearts, cupids, garland and other items popular at this time of year. On a Friday evening before Valentine’s Day students, their families and members of the community attend the annual Valentine Social and Dessert Auction sponsored by the Wellington Parent-Teacher Club.
This event has been taking place for more than 25 years. Upon arrival at the school this year, the students were greeted by former Wellington principal, Tess Buswell. She was the keeper of the ballot boxes where each student attending deposited a slip of paper with their name on it in hopes to be drawn at the coronation to become a prince, princess, king or queen of the school. Then the students dispersed to their individual classrooms and rotated from room to room, participating in a variety of activities.
Mrs. Buswell, who is retired, loves coming back to the school and seeing some of the students she had many years ago who attend the social and meeting many new Wellington students.
While the children were busy playing games, doing crafts or watching a movie in the classrooms, the adults were in the gymnasium bidding on a variety of desserts. This year more than 40 decorated cakes, cupcakes, chocolate dipped strawberries and other sweet items were donated. It is not uncommon for a raspberry pie to sell for $100 or more. Bidders are not just parents, but often friends and neighbors who want to support the little country school.
This year the event raised a little more than $1,500 with the help of auctioneer Cindy Peterson, who is not only a parent of a Wellington student, but most recently moved into the position of principal. She was assisted by several members of the PTC.
The money raised will support a variety of programs for the students such as art classes, field trips, the Stage Adventures presentation in May and other events. Teachers and members of the PTC are most grateful for the generosity of the community in supporting this social and other fundraisers at the school.
At the conclusion of the auction, excited students lined up for the long awaited announcement of this year’s royalty. Each couple marched through the crowd and paused for a picture in a decorated archway. They then gathered on the bleachers to see whose name would be drawn. Anticipation had been building for several weeks. Dylan Johnston, a former student, drew the winning names and they were crowned by former title holders, Taylor Faulkner, Emily Pelton, Damien Suitter and C.J. Violette.
This year’s winners were: Madalyn Quirk, princess, daughter of James and Sarah Quirk; Matthew Haney, prince, son of Ricky and Marilyn Haney; Taylor Fitzpatrick, queen, daughter of Jerrid and Tonya Fitzpatrick and Robert Pelton, king, son of Rob and Victoria Pelton. Each received a small gift of money.Photo by Karen Donato
ARE WE READY YET? — Pre-k and kindergarten students are ready to parade for their parents at Wellington School’s annual Valentine Social. From left in front, Ryan Wright and Sophia Flewelling. Second row, Christopher Bouvier and Sofia Boutot. Third row, Matthew Haney and Olivia Drake. Fourth row, David Dahlk and Summer Violette. Fifth row, Landon Wotton and Jordan Fitzpatrick. Sixth row, Gage Folsom, Ariel Joslyn and Lyman Allen.
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| Photo by Karen Donato AN EXCITING NIGHT — These third-grade Wellington girls were anxiously waiting to participate in the Valentine Social crowning of the king and queen. Pictured from left are, Haley Muncie, Alyssa Drake, Meysha Dahlk, Hannah Foster and Angel Allen. Seated is MacKenzie Joslyn. |
ALL SMILES — Ryan Wright and Sophia Flewelling greeted the crowd at the Wellington Valentine Social last Friday evening. They are both students in Mrs. Susan McMann’s pre-K class. |
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| JUST A LITTLE SHY — Pre-K students Matthew Haney and Olivia Drake attended their first Valentine Social at Wellington School in Monticello and participated in the grand march. | Photo by Karen Donato TABULATING THE BIDS — The Wellington P.T.C. sponsors the annual Wellington Valentine Social to raise money for special events for students attending the local school in Monticello. Trish Harvey, left and Jennifer Johnston keep track of the bids while auctioneer Cindy Peterson (not pictured) leads the auction of several desserts. |
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| Photo by Karen Donato HERE WE GO — Wellington students lined up for the grand march at Wellington School’s Valentine Social. From left in front, Aiden Murdock and Abby Cox. Second row, Cody Johnston and Madalyn Quirk. Third row, David DeWitt and Elizabeth Dahlk. |
LENDING A HAND — Former Wellington School Principal Tess Buswell loves coming back to the annual Valentine Social in Monticello. She greets former students and meets new students and their parents attending the event. Buswell checks off each child’s name as they place it in a specific ballot box. Four lucky students will be selected for Wellington’s royalty. |
