A Night of Community and Generosity at JRHS: Christmas Gala - Messiah

By Cheryl Crawford, Administrator

On Saturday, December 13, 2025, the Jesse Remington High School campus and Candia Congregational Church came alive with the sights and sounds of Christmas as families, alumni, and community members arrived for the Christmas Gala - Messiah. Guests followed illuminated pathways, where candle-lit luminaries blended with modern lighting, creating a warm, reflective atmosphere that beautifully connected tradition with today’s celebration.

The centerpiece of the evening was the Christmas show, presented by JRHS students who spent the quarter preparing a meaningful portrayal of the Messiah. Through carefully selected scripture readings and music, students proclaimed the good news of Jesus Christ; His birth, His purpose, and His saving grace. The performance pointed clearly to the heart of Christmas: God entering the world through His Son to bring redemption and hope.

Several moments highlighted the global reach of the gospel. Student, Valeriia Shulga, recited Scripture in Ukrainian and Emma Cross (on guitar), Ben Landry (on the Cajón) joined faculty member, Ellie Hyvonen, in a moving song in Spanish, demonstrating how the message of Christ transcends language and culture. 

The Gala Choir, accompanied by student pianist, Josiah Lewis and faculty member, Jacob Samuelson (on the Cajón) sang “Our God Made Low” and other beautiful pieces to highlight the evening's message. The Candia Congregational Children’s Choir performed some traditional carols such as “Away in the Manager" and “Silent Night.” Throughout the program, attendees sang along, filling the sanctuary with voices united in praise.

The celebration continued throughout campus with opportunities for fellowship, creativity, and generosity. In the schoolhouse bakery, tables overflowed with homemade cookies, all available by donation to support the completion of Casa Maná, a children’s home in El Salvador which aims to offer children a safe and structured environment grounded in Christian principles. Several JRHS students will travel there this spring to serve alongside Christ for the City International, turning the evening’s generosity into tangible impact.

In the Church Fellowship Hall, conversations buzzed as guests sampled Sentinel Slices pizza, a student-run business created through the Entrepreneurship program, alongside hearty chili and soup. Children delighted in classic Christmas stories read in the historic Smyth Building and explored Nativity scenes from around the world—each unique in design, yet unified in proclaiming the birth of Christ. The lower level displayed student artwork from Mrs. Comrie’s art class, adding another layer of beauty to the evening.

At the Masonic Hall, a coffeehouse-style café hosted a traditional Christmas country dance led by Jacqueline Laufman and accompanied by The Fiddle Band. Guests danced lively as we stripped the willow, do-si-doed and peeled the banana! Later in the evening, guests enjoyed music from the Back of the Bus Crew, featuring Coach Doug Langlois, Connor Langlois, and Ellie Hyvonen, while savoring decadent desserts benefiting the orphanage project.

As the night unfolded, many found themselves drawn to the campfire beneath the winter sky. The Christmas Gala Messiah was more than a festive gathering, it was a shared expression of faith, service, and the enduring hope found in Jesus Christ.

As we continue through this season of giving, we invite you to consider partnering in our efforts to raise money for the Casa Maná, the children’s home in El Salvador. Donations may be made securely online at JRHS.org, or by sending a check payable to JRHS. Every contribution helps extend the hope of Christ and make a lasting difference in the lives of children in El Salvador.   

For more information about Jesse Remington High School and our unique educational program, please call us 603-483-5664 or email admissions@jrhs.org to schedule a visit.