By Tyler Dahlgren

It was Friday morning in downtown Kearney, peaceful and still when a school bus carrying a jovial bunch of students from Buffalo Hills Elementary came rolling to a stop in front of the The World Theatre.

It was just before 9:30, the start of the school’s annual holiday celebration, and the pajama-clad students had their sights set on popcorn, soda and Tim Allen’s Christmas classic The Santa Clause.

While the “big kids” visited the theatre, an outing sponsored by the Buffalo Hills PTO, kindergarten, first and second grade students stayed back at their school, which had been transformed into a winter wonderland by parent volunteers the night before. It was the perfect setting for a Christmas party, and there was no shortage of holiday spirit detected.

Principal Chance Waggoner compared the night of decorating to that famous scene from Elf, the one where Will Ferrell’s Buddy decorates the department store. Festive décor, excited chatter, and holiday activities filled classrooms across the school. Hallways were illuminated by bright lights and humming with all the favorite Christmas hits.

At noon, the two groups swapped places. The older students returned to their school, and the little kids climbed aboard the bus while the theatre staff restocked the popcorn buckets and soda cups.

The day is well-planned and well-coordinated, and the efforts are beyond worthwhile.

“Seeing their faces light up, seeing the holiday spirit, there’s nothing better,” said Brooke Ward, President of the Parent Advisory Council (PAC). “It really brings the kids together.”

Creating moments like these is intentional at Buffalo Hills. According to Waggoner, going the extra mile to create memories for students has become a December tradition, and a big piece of what makes the culture at Buffalo Hills so special.

“It's definitely become part of the school culture and a tradition that we all really look forward to every year,” he continued. “Like Brooke said, it’s a great community event for our kids. It’s a celebration of the season and the end of a great semester.”

Ward credits the PAC’s 30-member team for making the magic happen. The kids look forward to this day all semester, and the hard work pays off in hours of smiles and giggles.

“When we were decorating until ten at night and then coming back early the next morning, we just kept saying, ‘They’ll remember this forever,’” Ward said. “You look back on your own childhood and remember those big field trips. I hope this is one of those days for them.”

Everyone chips in and is willing to pour time and energy into the day, Ward continued.

“We’re able to accomplish big things with a lot of people,” she said. “It takes a village, and we’ve got a pretty great one.”

That village extends beyond the school walls, too. The partnership with The World Theatre, an iconic venue that has been screening flicks for nearly 100 years, is an important cog in the budding tradition. 

“They are fabulous to work with,” Ward said. “Always prepared, welcoming us with arms wide open. It’s a very easy planning process.”

The feeling is mutual. Students light the theatre up with sheer excitement, which is quite infectious. 

 “It’s our favorite time of year,” said World Theatre House Manager Mark Treadway. “Anytime we get a big group like this, it’s awesome. You get them in here when they’re young, create some good memories of being at the movies, and hopefully that brings them back in the future.”

It’s a special day, but the celebrations don’t end here. On December 19, the final day before winter break, students will gather for a Buffalo Rally to celebrate achievements from the semester, followed by a Christmas caroling sing-along that will fill the school with music and even more cheer throughout the morning.

Students at Buffalo Hills have earned every minute of holiday-themed fun, said their principal.

“They’ve worked hard all semester long,” Waggoner said. “This is a great culminating event and a chance to unwind and celebrate together.”

The holiday seasons come and go, but Buffalo Hills hopes the memories they’re making last forever.