MATTHEWS — The Wingate University cheerleading team participated in the eighth annual Festival of Trees at Novant Health Matthews Medical Center on Nov. 9. In addition to decorating a tree on behalf of the University, the student-athletes visited the staff and presented them with Christmas cards.
“The cards were handmade by children in the Peachland United Methodist Church Lamplighters after-school program,” Wingate head cheerleading coach Kelly Sheppard said. Sheppard lives in Anson County.
“The (Novant) staff is very humble, but we feel they should be recognized this time of year as they sacrifice their time with family to take care of their patients during the holiday season,” Sheppard continued.
The Wingate athletic media relations staff caught up with two Wingate cheerleading team members to get their thoughts about the visit (a transcript of their reflections follows).
Morgan Young
Sophomore, Cherryville, N.C.
Highland School of Technology
“As the holiday season is fast approaching, many are looking forward to their annual holidays off from work. For many, their place of business is closed for at least some part of Thanksgiving and Christmas… and this time can be spent with family. For our doctors and nurses, work doesn’t stop for the holidays. Many hospital employees, such as doctors, nurses and staff, will spend these special days not with their families at home, but rather at the hospital working and helping others whom also do not have the chance to be at home for the holidays. It is important for those of us who are given time off to spend with loved ones during this time not to take it for granted… and a good way to do this is to show appreciation to those who do not get the opportunity.
“During our trip to Novant Matthews, Wingate Cheerleading visited multiple nurses’ stations throughout the hospital to show our appreciation to the professionals who give their time so selflessly during the holidays. We were excited to serve as a medium for a group of kindergartners who expressed their own appreciation for hospital staff on sheets of paper, which we gave to the nurses at the stations. The reactions of the nurses and staff was touching. To be able to put a smile on their faces and let them know that they’re appreciated was so fulfilling.
“Walking through the halls of the hospital, I realized I felt very out of place. I was walking past the rooms of patient’s whose stories I did not know. Unfamiliar equipment and machines were always within sight, and if not in a group, I would not know my way around the facility. But for the hospital staff, this place is as familiar as home. During the holidays, co-workers and patients are family… and the hallways are home for those working. It is inspiring that they give so much during this time of year. To be able to see firsthand what our doctors and nurses will be doing while we are gathered around the supper tables with our families instilled within us so much pride for our medical professionals. We are so very thankful for them.
“Before we left Novant, Wingate Cheerleading had the chance to decorate a tree to represent Wingate University in the hospital. Realizing these trees might be the only ones some patients will be able to see this holiday season made us very intent with our decorating. Every tree in the hall, each represented by a different organization, were all done so beautifully.”
Cortney Hildebran
Freshman, Hickory, N.C.
East Burke
“Decorating the Wingate Christmas tree and visiting the staff at the Novant was such a wonderful and heart-warming experience. Seeing the smiles on all of the staff’s faces when we delivered the cards was my favorite part of the visit. It felt so good to be able to give recognition and show appreciation to a group of people who obviously deserve it, but are often overlooked.
“These men and women take time out of their holiday season and away form their own families and festivities to help give us and our loved ones safety and protection. It was especially heart-warming when we gave a card to one nurse and she almost began to cry from the gratitude and appreciation she felt for being recognized for everything she and her fellow workers do.
“I know it has to be extremely hard for the hospital staff to work such long hours while their family and friends are all at home enjoying the holidays and spending time together. I especially loved how we gave out cards to the cleaning and maintenance staff as well; not only the nurses or doctors. They contribute just as much time and effort during the holidays, but we often overlook their hard work. All hospital staff should be appreciated, especially around the holiday season. Most people don’t realize all of the hard work and sacrifices they make to take care of all of us during such a hectic time. This experience has definitely made me gain a greater respect for hospital workers and all they do to keep us happy and healthy.”