This month marks the nine-year anniversary of AP Government Teacher Michelle Fournier’s annual Holiday Song Project.

To get her class into the holiday spirit, Fournier requires students to form groups and create politically-satirical versions of well-known holiday songs. Students’ songs must include at least three verses and be uniquely preformed in front of the entire class. The biggest twist is that the songs must incorporate material from the course and current political events. Groups are encouraged to put on a performance with props, costumes, and even dancing, making the assignment more fun and creative.

Fournier got the idea of  the concept for the project from AP Government Mentor Pete Pew several years back, at a summer institute.

“My favorite aspect is seeing how creative all of the students are when it comes to interpreting the project. It seems like people would end up doing the same thing, but students actually take the concept to such a wide range. Kids do medleys, others may use instruments, and some even do a karaoke style,” Fournier explained.

Since its inception, the project has become a familiar activity that most AP Government students anticipate. Senior Jessica Diller stated that she has been excited about the project because it is a new and interesting way to learn about politics.

Numerous AP Government students agreed with Diller, but also stated that they were initially a bit nervous, because they weren’t very comfortable with performing. However, they soon realized that the project was meant to be a fun activity shared between classmates and show their creativity for politics.

Senior Gabriella Bermudez said, “I enjoy singing around my friends, but it definitely is not something that I would consider doing in front of an audience. However, this assignment is a lot different, because knowing that your peers are along side you allows you to be more carefree.”

The project has become a household name around UC High, attracting teachers on their prep period, counselors, administrators, former AP Government students, students in other classes, and even a celebrity one year.