Hartselle Intermediate Schools held their second annual Winterfest Dec. 19. The event was held to celebrate students displaying good character traits throughout the year. Students wore pajamas and were able to take part in a gaga ball tournament, holiday movies, dance party, cookie decorating, ornament decorating, a dance party and more.

Debra Harvel is the assistant principal at the intermediate school and said the program was created as part of their Tiger Way character program. “It is a big deal. We have been working the last three years on Tiger Way,” Harvel said.

Enquirer photo/Lauren Jackson
Tristan Murphy enjoyed games and activities during the second annual Winterfest.

The program is centered around the idea of hard work and integrity leading to success. Each month the students study a different character traits, and Winterfest was held to recognize the effort students have put into acting out those traits. “We try to have something to recognize the effort to act the Tiger Way,” Harvel said.

This year is the second year to have the program and almost all events were free for the students to participate. Harvel said the parent partners at the school helped to ensure that there were plenty of snacks and to help with organizing the event.

Enquirer photo/Lauren Jackson
Students enjoy a dance party in the library.

Harvel says the Tiger Way program continues to improve and that it was created to be tailored to the school. The character traits that the students learn each month are integrated into their lessons and also taught in an elective class. “Our big push has been working on character and this is one way to reward it,” Harvel said.