Chorus 6, 7, 8 and the Read Mountain Gentlemen performed a variety of holiday favorites at the Read Mountain Middle School Holiday concert, presented to the students on Dec. 19. In addition, James Vance performed an acoustic version of "O Come All Ye Faithful."

All Read Mountain choruses, and the Read Mountain Gentlemen, are under the direction of Bonita Durham.

Submitted by Heather Simmons

Troutville Elementary School sponsors Holiday Store

Troutville Elementary School sponsored its Holiday Store. The store was set up so students could shop on their own for family members and pets. The coordinator was Lisa Metz who scheduled a small but dedicated army of parent volunteers to make the store a smashing success.

-- Submitted by Jane Wolfe

Troutville Elementary drama club stages its first holiday play

The Troutville Elementary School Drama Club staged its first ever holiday play. The 36 students, directed by fourth-grade teacher Kim Trask, music teacher Beth Radford and parent volunteer Michelle Newberry, put on a funny musical entitled "Santa's Holiday Hoe Down."

--Submitted by Jane Wolfe

Read Mountain morning announcers

While waiting to take pictures of the Reflections winners at Read Mountain Middle School recently, The Botetourt View was subjected to the best morning announcers in Botetourt County. The five girls and a boy were a riot of energy. They are Madelyn Johnson, Cate Nash, Katie Stewart, Andrew Williams, Kennedi Van Ravenstein and Meaghan Catron.

First, Williams read an inspirational piece that encouraged behavior practices from the Character Counts program but in a less obvious way -- kindness, responsibility and how to build another's self esteem.

He ended with a holiday theme, "if all could be treated the way we should treat each other then certainly there would be peace on earth and goodwill towards all people."

After announcing the last basketball games of the season, the students paused for a moment. They said, "In keeping with the season, we are going to sing, "Jingle Bells."

And they did -- loud and with great joy and every classroom at the school resounded with the morning announcer's rowdy rendition of "Jingle Bells." How could anyone not start the day with a smile after such marvelous send-off into the day? They get an A+ in our book.

-- Cathy Benson

James River fashion students visit Target

The purpose of many elective classes on the high school level is to introduce students to particular careers. Fashion classes at both high schools tend to attract those who might want to become designers, merchandisers or business majors. Amanda Marshall, the Fashion I and II teacher at James River High School, reported the classes there recently took a trip to Valley View Mall and Target:

The Fashion I & II students at James River High School enjoyed a field trip to Target and Valley View Mall on Dec. 5. While visiting Target, students were treated as potential employees and learned about the Target Vision and read a plan for merchandising soft line apparel items. Students participated in properly folding soft line merchandise, stocking a merchandise table, and putting back resale merchandise. Target treated our class with a complimentary soft drink, popcorn, Target dog, and pen.

At Valley View Mall students participated in The Amazing Race -- Fashion Design Edition. Each team collected clues, completed roadblocks, and detours. The clues were based on information learned in Fashion I & II throughout the semester. Another highlight was our photo opportunity with Santa, who wished us Merry Christmas!

--Submitted by Amanda Marshall