As the temperatures drop and the days get shorter, being in school seems to take up most up my daylight (and free time). You have to be careful if you’re a senior, because 1 or 2 days off from school with a cold might bring on a nasty case of Senioritis. But with more than five months left until we graduate, upperclassmen should slow down for a second, and look back on an exciting fall.

The Varsity Football Team finished their playoff run, reigning as KVC and District Champions with a 9-2 record. Girls Basketball made it to District playoffs while the Boys Soccer Team lost a close one to Northville in District finals. The Marching Band even placed 5th at States and made Finals at the Bands of America show in the Pontiac Silverdome.

Talk about an exciting group of seasons; but there is even more to come as fall transforms into winter. The Boys Varsity Basketball Team is looking to win their third straight District Championship while Varsity Hockey is working hard to continue their dominance on the ice. Even with all that is going on during this time of year, many students are taking time to help make this Christmas holiday a meaningful one.

WOVI, the high school radio station, officially kicked off the holiday season with its participation in the annual Toys for Tots drive, which collects toys for underprivileged children in the United States. Through the month of December, students are being encouraged to bring in a new unwrapped toys to be handed over to United States Marines who organize the event, and help make the campaign a success.

The Salvation Army Kettle Drive benefits from National Honor Society members who are volunteering to ring the bell at local area merchants. The money collected benefits area families in need through low-cost clothing and food for the homeless.

New National Honor Society sponsor Matt Ownby believes it’s a great cause, stating “working with the Salvation Army gives us a good opportunity to participate in community service while helping those less fortunate over the holidays.”

The holiday season in Novi is kicked off by city officials on December 2nd, when the tree is lit in front of a large crowd. Novi’s Wildcat Marching Band will lead a parade featuring lighted floats down Novi's Main Street, and Santa will make an appearance.

Novi Girl Scouts of all ages will be hosting their annual bake sale with proceeds benefiting local families in need. Many of the Scouts are NHS students in disguise, with five Seniors and several underclassmen working to make a difference in the community. (Note to self: Don’t forget to pick up those addictive Girl Scout cookies)

It’s an exciting time inside Novi High School. The annual classroom door decorating contest will be held to determine which seminar will win a free breakfast for their class.  Holiday Concerts are scheduled for the Band and Choir while the atmosphere has already started to reflect the season, (thanks mostly to the Christmas music that started the day after Halloween).

There are a lot of entertaining things to do right now, so get to the stores quick, make those last minute shopping runs, and don’t forget to stop by and visit Santa over at Twelve Oaks Mall, 'cause the Holidays are coming fast.