Students at Westlock Elementary School got a visit from the big elf on Dec. 17.
No, not Santa Claus, but Cornelius Yukon, Westlock’s very own Christmas elf.
Yukon, played by local teacher Stephen Womack, stands well over six feet, which can come in handy when you’re throwing out candy to a horde of screaming children.
Elementary students were ecstatic to get a visit from the Christmas elf, and eagerly caught the candy he flung from a reindeer sled of classroom chairs atop WES’ rooftop.
Though most would be worn down by daily appearances and the local celebrity that has sprung from his alter ego, Womack’s smile, though bearded, has shone brightly for much of December.
Bringing cheer to Westlock students has become somewhat of a second job for the high school English teacher. After garnering attention from provincial media earlier this month, he’s been swept up in holiday festivities all over Westlock.
“It’s been great,” Womack said. “The presentations were supposed to just be [R.F. Staples] but people seem to like it. I didn’t want to leave the little kids out.”
For those who don’t know, Cornelius Yukon’s character is a spin on the elf on the shelf overnight, a Christmas elf doll is placed at random locations throughout a house, making children think the elf is alive.
Womack has been making appearances around town and has been getting recognized, in and out of costume.
“It’s been a little weird,” he said. “They actually know who I am and they wave and enjoy it.” That’s great. If they’re having fun, I’m having fun too. That’s what matters.”
But the experience hasn’t just been fun for Womack. He’s also begun to inspire others to get into the holiday spirit and embrace their inner elf.
Westlock Elementary principal Pierre Ouimet is one of them.
“It’s really neat,” he said. “The project that he started innocently enough three weeks ago has gotten rolling and gained momentum, not only for the students at R.F. Staples, but the kids here too.”
Ouimet believes that it’s experiences like what Womack is helping build that create foundational memories for children.
As a long-time high school principal at R.F. Staples, he’s observed many convocations and it’s always fond memories, not grades, that dominate the agenda.
“I’ve never heard kids refer to their fondest memories of school as being the marks they got,” he said. “The memorable things for kids when they are graduating will be something like this. They’ll remember the crazy, fun-loving teacher who dressed up as an elf.”
Although humbled by the insinuation he’s inspiring others, Womack admitted he’s pleased that students and parents alike have taken such inspiration from his gift-giving spirit.
“I’m just glad they continue to feel that way. I know that Christmas can sometimes be a hard time for people; it’s supposed to be fun and happy,” he said. “I hope this helps with that.”
But Christmas can’t go on forever. With the end of school on Dec. 18 comes the end Womack’s public appearances.
That doesn’t mean he doesn’t have his own holiday plans.
“Marking,” he laughed. “Catch up on my other job.”
