By ASHLEY KAPSCH | For the Independent

Mullenix Ridge Elementary School has prided itself for being the “best in the west” and Leann Georgeson’s kindergarten class room proved how creative the students can be.

After first asking questions of myself — ranging from how old am I to if I had my own children in the classroom — the 5-to-6 year-old kindergarteners gathered around with a thoughtful manner, preparing themselves for what was bound to be impossible questions.

All of the students had answers about Saint Nicholas’ cookie preference.

Rylee said that his favorite cookie had to be the cream-filled Oreo.

Chocolate chip cookies seemed to be the popular vote among the class. Liam said he was certain lemon were Santa’s favorite.

After all, last year he helped to make 31 lemon cookies.

“Santa tried one then he ate all the rest,” he said. “We set out two gallons of milk and he drank it all.”

“Two gallons of milk? Are you sure?” asked Georgeson, who gained a quick, confirming nod from Liam.

Students were asked how they thought Santa Claus managed to get presents to every house on Christmas Eve. With serious expressions on their little faces, hands shot up high above their heads.

“Ol’ Saint Nick uses a shortcut to get to every house,” Parker said. “After all, Santa can get really high in the sky and he can see people’s houses. He knows whose house is whose and he checks his list saying, ‘That person has been good.”

Parker mimicked Santa with his hands holding up an imaginary checklist.

Few hands arose when asked about what Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer could possibly be really like.

Emily informed us he has a shiny nose. On the other hand, Dylan remained adamant that he was just a “normal reindeer.”