By NEAL WAGNER / City Editor

Students at the Linda Nolen Learning Center in Pelham recreated one of the most well-known holiday shows during the school’s annual Christmas play on Dec. 13.

During the play, every student at LNLC played a part in spreading Christmas cheer to the teachers, family members and friends gathered in the school’s auditorium.

“This year, we are doing one of my favorite Christmas stories,” said LNLC Principal Michele Shepherd. “We’ve done a lot of work, the kids have done a lot of work and the faculty members have done a lot of work to put this on.”

For the play, kids, faculty members and volunteers transformed the LNLC auditorium into a scene from the animated classic, complete with snow scenes covering the walls, a Christmas tree farm and a decorated stage.

The play followed Charlie Brown, played by LNLC student Robert Cunningham, as he sought to find the meaning of the Christmas season. After seeking advice from Lucy, who was played by Crystal Dreyer, Charlie Brown helped his sister Sally, played by Alex Edwards, write a letter to Santa Claus.

Charlie Brown then directed the town’s Christmas play, and gave other characters roles in the production. To liven up the town play venue, Charlie Brown and Linus, played by Brent Hastings, traveled to a Christmas tree farm, where they picked out a small twig decorated by a single red ball ornament.

After bringing the small tree back to the town play venue, the other cast members mocked Charlie Brown, who then took the small tree home with him. Shortly thereafter, the other cast members came to Charlie Brown’s house and transformed the small tree into a beautifully decorated large tree.

Charlie Brown and the other cast members then said Christmas joy comes from being thankful, sharing, spending time with loved ones and giving to others.

Other cast members included Tatum Nessler as Frieda, Josey Tice as Shermy, Alexa Parker as Violet, Jack Boggan as Schroeder, Joel Chance as Pig Pen, William Bishop as Snoopy and Stephen Fanning as Woodstock.

Between scenes, A chorus of LNLC students sang a variety of Christmas songs, and LNLC PTO President Debbie Jacobson announced the organization raised enough money to purchase an iPad to help teachers at the school.