As finals are steadily approaching, San Dimas High’s Associated Student Body (ASB) has prepared their annual December Destress Fest, a week-long event of alleviating and fun activities such as cornhole and connect 4 during lunch, finger painting, and putting up small positive affirmations in the bathrooms to reduce stress on students before finals week.
Destress Fest, formally known as Stress Freak, is a week of small, thoughtful activities created to harbor a safe, welcoming environment for students. On the first day of Destress Fest, they held an event called “Train & Treats”, inviting students to ride a joyous train with their friends while snacking on complimentary sweet treats. ASB retained great feedback from their peers regarding the event. For instance, distinguished senior Beatrice See said, “It was an exciting event to watch take place.” As ASB’s executive board president, expresses her excitement about helping plan the event and the camaraderie it brings to our campus.
Another cherished event held during Destress Fest is the giving away of free hot chocolate in the quad alongside classroom affirmation notes. This alleviates student stress and grants an exciting moment to calm their nerves. “Getting to take part in these small events is so nice. I kind of lose my mind during finals so it makes it all the better to have small things to look forward to,” senior Penelope Camarillo said. ASB adds team-driven games as a playful ode to childhood games, offering a nostalgic moment for students
ASB students describe the planning process as a difficult and exciting process. “It can be hard. We plan and plan and execute and freak out because we already have so many activities to work on,” says senior Natalie Nguyen. ASB is responsible for planning and executing inclusive fun events for students. Creating a welcoming, safe environment for their peers is one of their highest priorities. Following Destress Fest is Holiday Week, an ASB-ran event during finals week where ASB grants students “winter wishes”, holds holiday-caroling grams, and writes out positive affirmations around campus as one final bout of motivation before final exams. ASB is driven to cultivate a sanctuary for students to prepare for finals, and through these fun events, it is clear that ASB was successful.
