The most wonderful time of the year for Beaver Area High School is fast approaching. Chrismahanukwanzaakah (or CHK if you’re in a hurry) happens Friday.

For the uninitiated, CHK is a day of games, performances, and fun that happens every year on the last day of school before the holiday break, and it is organized by student council.

The day itself is split into two parts with the first half comprised of both a talent show and the anual WEKO video special, while the second part is dedicated to fun competition and games.

Senior Sam Elliott is eager to see what all of the hype is about.

"Even though I’m a senior, it’s my first time participating in CHK, so I’m excited to see how it goes," said Elliott.

For the talent show, students can sign up to display their talent in a short act or performance, regardless of how serious or ridiculous it may be. Past favorites have included musical performances and dance routines from our talented classmates.

Rumor has it that some of the teachers will once again be appearing in a music video of their own to continue the tradition of WEKO’s music videos like "I Want It That Way," "Hit Me Baby One More Time," and "Ennie Meenie" from past years.

Then in the second half everyone heads to the gym for the games where each class competes against the other in a tournament of strength and willpower demonstrated in events like the human table, dodgeball, super-sized soccer, and the all-important tug-o-war.

As with previous years, there have been a few alterations to the classic CHK formula.

"We’ve taken out the balloon stomp game because it just doesn’t work for multiple reasons," said junior and student council member Ryan Appel.

According to Appel, the game specifically didn’t work because of students hiding in corners guarding their balloons, and balloons just being in general hard to step on and pop.

Present dash, a game which was added only last year, has been removed as well.

"It just wasn’t that good," said junior and student council member Zane Kelley.

It’s not all bad news, though. There has been one new event added to the lineup, and according to the student council members, it will directly involve the spectators in the bleachers.

This year's CHK will also be the last one organized by Mr. Dane Schlenke, who has been the main organizer of the event for several years. Although he’s technically called it quits several times now, this time it really is his last time. Periodt.

"Two years ago was my last year of sponsoring student council, but last year there were complications so I had to step in," explained Mr. Schlenke. "This year is maybe certainly my last year."

Make sure to come to school December 20 for Chrismahanukwanzaakah—it’s a great way to kick off your holiday break!