Flyer in hand, I headed up the stairs to the next house in the neighborhood. With a santa hat, a pair of jingle bells, and an indomitable spirit, it was time to spread the joy of the Enloe Charity Ball season. As we approached the front door, I cleared my throat, preparing for a unique rendition of “Frosty the Snowman” and a chance to share the mission of our local nonprofit organization, Neighbor To Neighbor. I wasn’t yet a member of Student Council, but here on this doorstep, I felt more connected to my Raleigh community than ever before.
As a first-year Student Council member, the question I am most often asked is “why now?” Why get involved with only one year left of high school? But what many people don’t realize is that Enloe Charity Ball is involved both inside and outside our school, also impacting the larger Raleigh community. Since Freshman year, some of my most unforgettable memories can be attributed to the efforts of Enloe Charity Ball. From students selling hot chocolate on cold winter mornings to the hilarious home runs by the winning team of the Kickball Tournament, Charity Ball unites the student body in ways that only genuine, authentic spirit can.
So while I may be a first-year member, this is by no means my first experience with Charity Ball. Its spirit floods the Enloe halls and Raleigh neighborhoods, and it’s contagious energy connects our student body year after year. I can only hope that my final year at Enloe can be the year I pass this spirit along: the energy of giving, the joy of uniting, and the pride of knowing that, all together, we’re leaving a lasting impact on our community.