The A.R.T.S. Club held the Jefferson Jolly Jubilee on Dec. 8. It was formerly called Title I but was renamed in Lea Jefferson’s honor, who was in charge of the party and club last year but passes away due to cancer. At the Jubilee, the club provided presents to children from Title I schools, schools that have a high number of students from low-income families, near lake Okeechobee.The club collected presents from the members of the club, wrapped, and gave four presents to each elementary school student.
“[Jefferson Jolly Jubilee] benefits the kids because their parents can’t afford presents for them,” visual senior and A.R.T.S. Club co-president Kinsey Schorr said. “This is Christmas for them, not the 25th [when Christmas is for the rest of us].”
The celebration included crafts for the kids and performances from various students, including a dance number, a string quartet, and a performance Sugarplum Fairy dance by dance senior Ashley Simpson. Theatre seniors Jack Moriarity and Megan Rosenblum came into the jubilee dressed up as Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, respectively. Moriarty, as Santa, called students up one by one and handed them a present and posed for a photo with them. The presents ranged from coloring books to Lego sets and more.
“Seeing their smiles on their faces is the best part,” Schorr said. “It brings joy to the kids and everyone to tears.”