How the penguins saved Christmas

With a wag of his finger Santa admonished the crowd, "Whose idea was it to build a fire in the fireplace? I was supposed to come down the chimney."

Nevertheless, he passed out gifts to the children. Santa already knew who'd been naughty and nice. He didn't need any list.

Several members of the community received handwritten invitations from Black Butte School students announcing a Christmas event: If you come you could meet a flock of 20 fine-feathered penguins who would tell their story about the day they saved Christmas.

Accompanied on the piano by Nancy Carmichael at the Camp Sherman Community Hall, the flock sang the story of how Santa fell out of his sleigh, hit a house roof before falling on the ground where they found him passed out with a serious bump on his head.

"Who are you?" they asked. "Who am I?" he asked right back. Fortunately some of the penguins knew exactly who he was. This was an emergency. They had to help Santa. And they did.

Singing to Santa about who he was and all he did brought his memory right back. The reindeer raced in reminding Santa he needed to be more careful. After thanking the penguins, reindeer and Claus flew away on their Christmas rounds.

The students took a break and a hush came over the crowd as teacher Carol Dixon introduced all the Camp Sherman students attending school at Sisters Middle and High School. Proud of their accomplishments, she listed every one and asked them to come forward. Each student's high marks, athletics and special projects were discussed to the amazement of all, highlighted by the humility of the students themselves.

The evening continued with traditional carols like "Silent Night" and "O, Come All Ye Faithful."

Parent Mary Morgan, new to the community, commented, "We can't sing the religious songs in the city we're from. It's so wonderful to hear this music."

Head teacher Toni Coleman along with teachers Carol Dixon and Ethan Barrens sat in the front row conducting the choir. Misty Grimm, new teaching assistant, was in the wings helping direct, and business manager Scott Pillar was in the audience. Scott McNitt received mention as the new bus driver and maintenance supervisor.

Dixon announced a special thanks to the props and costume makers, Craig and Renee May and Malaga Hanks.

A penguin piped up: "Those aren't costumes. Those are our skin!"

And the children sang, "What a dandy sort of holiday this elegant Christmas time."