Four Students Shop for the Season

Four students will do some special holiday shopping today for family members and personal gifts after last week's Woodland Hills Junior High staff fundraiser raised $1,100.

David Harris, 13, of Homewood; Jaden Matthews, 14, of Swissvale; Tharen Eckstein, 13, of Swissvale; and Shyanne McGarrah, 12, of North Braddock all are taking a trip to Wal-Mart in North Versailles today after being chosen by teachers as exemplary students deserving a little something extra for the holiday season.

Two high school seniors will split the remaining funds for small college scholarships.

"I am pretty excited for it," Harris said. "I am going to get a game and some clothes."

While she wasn't sure what she would get herself, Matthews said she planned on buying a few gifts for her brothers and sisters. She is one of 16 children.

Eckstein said he will have to find a way to make it to Bath and Body Works to get his mother's favorite lotion, but had a few things in mind for the trip, especially his favorite game.

"I was never a good decision-maker so I am going to figure it out when I get there," Eckstein said. "All I know is – I am getting Halo Reach."

School Nurse Judi Matelan said the group will leave at 8:30 a.m. with $100 Wal-Mart gift cards for each student.

"I am looking forward to it," Matelan said. "I think it's fun and it will put me in the Christmas spirit."