On December 6th, Amador Valley High School hosted its inaugural Winter Carnival, welcoming PUSD students, families, and staff to enjoy a festive break from the stress of finals season. With games, food, and activities for all ages, the event fostered a celebratory atmosphere while providing a unique opportunity for student clubs to fundraise.
“We really wanted to add an event, especially because we know that finals can be so stressful, and we don’t really have too much for the holidays,” said AV Leadership Ellie Kim (‘25).
Inspiration and Planning
The Winter Carnival, inspired by the community engagement seen at Amador’s annual Pigskin event, was the first of its kind at the school. Organizers worked since the summer to bring together clubs, parents, and local vendors to make the event a reality. The carnival featured games, obstacle courses, food booths, and even bouncy houses for attendees of all ages.
“It took a long time to plan and required a lot of people to get together,” said Kim.
Club Fundraising and Activities
A key component of the event was its role in supporting campus organizations. Clubs set up booths offering festive treats, games, and activities to raise money for their initiatives.
“I’m running a booth for Amador Valley Web Development. It develops websites for clubs at school and also for city websites for local businesses. To accomplish this endeavor, we have to raise money to buy development tools and other stuff that would help contribute and support our workflow,” said Kethan Vegunta (‘27).
Other clubs showcased their creativity, offering everything from holiday-themed snacks to interactive games, drawing participation from younger students and families alike. The bouncy houses proved particularly popular with younger attendees, adding a layer of fun to the festive atmosphere.
Community Turnout
The carnival exceeded expectations, with students and families from across PUSD joining in the festivities. The high turnout made the event not only a social success but also a financial boost for the clubs involved.
“We were so happy that we got so many people. There were so many more people than we thought,” said Kim.
Participants purchased $1 tickets at the administration booth, which allowed them to take part in games and enjoy treats from various booths. The funds raised will directly support club activities, helping them to grow and continue their contributions to the school and community.
A Social and Festive Experience
In addition to fundraising, the Winter Carnival offered a chance for students to connect in a relaxed setting, building friendships and strengthening the sense of community across all grades.
“It’s pretty fun. I met a lot of people I didn’t think I would meet, [it was] such a good social experience,” said Advika Jain (‘27).
A Festive Success
Overall, Amador Valley’s first Winter Carnival was a resounding success. By blending holiday cheer with opportunities for fundraising and socializing, the event brought together the PUSD community and gave students a well-deserved break from their academic stresses.
