Students at South are on high alert this upcoming holiday season to search for the Elf on the Shelf. For staff and students, this cherished tradition has brought excitement and community spirit in the hallways since the pandemic.
The elf made its first appearance at the school during the serious atmosphere of COVID-19. Student activities director Melissa Petz believes that the elf came to South as a lighthearted escape for students and staff during the rocky times of the pandemic.
“When the elf first came to South it was meant to give the students a break from the seriousness and negativity in the air,” Petz said. “It offered a touch of magic when it was most needed.”
Since then, the elf has become a yearly routine during the holiday season at South.
“The holidays bring back the childhood in all of us,” Petz said. “The elf is a great way for the entire school to come together and be inclusive.”
Students like Malia Thole ’26 think that The Elf on the Shelf tradition is a great way to take a break from the stresses of school.
“I think that the elf is a really great way to keep your mind off of school even if it’s just for a couple of minutes,” Thole said. “Even if my friends and I can’t find the elf it is still a fun reminder of the upcoming holiday break.”
For Thole and other Students at South, finding the elf is not the only thrill of the day, but also the reward after.
“If I find the Elf I can’t wait to go and get a treat at Mrs. Petz’s office,” Thole said. “After searching long and hard it’s always so rewarding to get a piece of candy for my hard work.”
Memorable hiding spots have been the chandelier in Clemenson hall, the rafters of the IA building and the sunny alcoves of the stairwells.
“My favorite spot that the elf has hidden in is the library,” Thole said. “I really like it because it’s a creative spot and it’s such a big place that the elf could be hidden anywhere.”
To continue The Elf on the Shelf tradition, the students at South need to help choose a name.
“The elf loves a good mix-up of names,” Petz said. “It’s a mellow elf so I think that whatever name the students decide on, he will be happy about it.”
