Gardendale High School student Ethan Quick has received a trip to Disney World, courtesy of Magic Moments of Birmingham. Quick was surprised by the announcement during the school's annual Christmas Visions ceremony.  

On Thursday morning Gardendale High School renewed a tradition which dates back many years.

Students, staff and family gathered in the school’s gymnasium for its annual Christmas Visions ceremony. The project, which is run by the Gardendale High School Student Council (GSC), serves as a fundraiser for underprivileged kids in Jefferson County.

GSC members collaborate with school counselors throughout northern Jefferson County in an effort to locate kids who need assistance with Christmas each year. Counselors provide names and shopping lists, which include “needs” and “wants” for each child.

Gardendale students first shop “needs,” then shop “wants” for each child.

According to an announcement at Thursday’s ceremony, Christmas Visions collected $22,959.24 this season.

During the ceremony Gardendale Mayor Stan Hogeland made a proclamation to three GHS students for their act of heroism on Nov. 22 during a shooting at the Riverchase Galleria. Anthonia Anwah, Aiyana Hines and Ajah Robinson—senior sports medicine students, under the tutelage of athletic trainer Brad Myrick—utilized their training to assist a 70-year-old woman who was badly injured that night amongst the chaos. 

“Even in this dangerous environment, they were totally focused on stabilizing the unconscious lady in their care,” said Hogeland. “The chaotic situation lasted about an hour before the paramedics were able to come and give assistance to the injured lady. During that time, the three students remained calm and continued use of their sports medicine training to provide care for the injured lady.”

Anwah, Hines and Robinson agreed it wasn’t until after they left the scene that fear set in. They’ve been trained to remain calm in the presence of a patient.

Following that presentation, a representative from UAB presented Gardendale student Ethan Quick with a surprise announcement. Quick was joined by his family in front of the Christmas Visions crowd when he received a trip to Disney World, courtesy of Magic Moments of Birmingham.

Quick has also been invited by UAB head football coach Bill Clark to come tour the Blazers’ facilities in Birmingham.