Penn-Trafford media literacy students to host holiday vendor market

Four Penn-Trafford students flexed their communication and organization skills to arrange a holiday vendor market at the high school, slated for early December.

The holiday market, hosted by students in the high school’s media literacy class, was first held last year. The event drew about 200 people, senior Zarra Krek said.

Krek helped organize the market last year. She and three of her senior classmates — Lindsey Adam, Taijah Cameron and Madyson Holler — are bringing the market back from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 2 in the cafeteria and gym.

“We’re hoping to bring the community together … to shop (and) be prepared for Christmas,” Adam said.

The students hope for an equal or bigger turnout this year, Krek said. They began reaching out to vendors in September, aiming to provide a variety of items at the market.

“It’s cool to see all the behind-the-scenes,” said Holler, who is taking the media literacy class for the first time this year. “I would hear about all of this stuff (last year), but I never really processed that kids were planning it.”

The market will feature more than 40 vendors selling handmade items like candles, carved wooden signs, jewelry, soap, fudge and bread. There will also be coloring sheets and other activities for children, Adam said.

A concession stand with hot dogs and popcorn, a hot chocolate bar and a 50-50 raffle will also be offered at the market.

A portion of the proceeds from the concession stand will go toward the media literacy class. The rest will support the school’s annual telethon for the Make-A-Wish foundation, a nonprofit that benefits children and families facing life-threatening illness.

Penn-Trafford’s video production class annually hosts a four-hour telethon featuring live hosting and performances, as well as pre-recorded segments. All funds raised during the telethon benefit Make-A-Wish. By the end of the 2021 telethon, the event had raised a total of $250,000 since its inception.

All vendor fees and 50-50 proceeds from the market will also benefit Make-A-Wish. The hot chocolate bar will support the school’s Unified Club, which promotes diversity and a safe, inclusive environment at Penn-Trafford.

English and media literacy teacher Brittney Falk commended the students for working professionally with the vendors. Last year, many of the students helped the vendors set up their tables, she said.

“You err on the side of professionalism, so whenever the vendors get here, they’re kind of shocked that they’re working with teenagers,” she said.