The media center is filled with high-pitched screaming and clapping. It’s decorated with Christmas trees, snowflakes, and colorful LED lights, as children ages four through eight wait for a special guest to arrive. Coming out from behind a red curtain, Assistant Principal William “Santa Claus” Clark, dressed up in a Santa hat, suit, and white beard, greets every child, takes a picture with them, and gives them a gift.

“It’s the best thing we can do this time of year,” Mr. Clark said. “We try to make sure that every single kid that comes up gets to have a moment (and) gets to take a picture.” 

Artists Reaching To Society (ARTS) Club organizes the Jefferson Jubilee, named after late teacher Leah Jefferson, every year. This year’s Jefferson Jubilee, Dec. 6, is the club’s twentieth time holding the event and eleventh year it has been called the Jefferson Jubilee. Each year, Title 1 preschool and elementary students from the Belle Glade area are bused to the school and attend a holiday party in the media center, which is decorated by ARTS Club members with Christmas trees, shelves covered in wrapping paper, paper snowflakes, and ornaments hanging from the ceiling. Preschool and elementary students danced, made winter-themed crafts, played with toys, and unwrapped presents with ARTS Club volunteers.

“At first, you could see that they were completely shy (because) they didn’t know who I was,” volunteer and theatre junior Aissa Duclervil said. “After you were able to spend time with them, get to know them, and tell them about yourself a little bit, they then start to open up and then trust you.”

Duclervil, who was dressed in a green and red elf costume during the Jefferson Jubilee, is one of the elves who helped Mr. Clark to give a gift to each kid. She experienced a similar program in elementary school, receiving gifts from a nearby middle school.

“I saw the excitement I used to have when I was little, getting the gifts,” Duclervil said. “I could just imagine them going home after and being like, ‘I got this from the elves.’ That’s how I used to feel — I used to feel so happy.”

The event also provides the children with goodie bags of books and toys as well as extra gifts and clothes for the children’s parents to give them during the actual holidays. 

“I mean, the little kids, it’s amazing to watch their eyes light up when they walk into the media center,” ARTS Club sponsor and history teacher Katie Sheridan said. “It’s really special and heartwarming to know that they’re going home with two sets of clothes and three gifts to open up over the holiday season, unbeknownst to them.”

Ms. Sheridan also mentioned how “heartwarming” the Jefferson Jubilee was for students who helped put on the event, including those who donated gifts, wrapped presents, decorated the media center, and volunteered during the event.

“I think for our students, it gives us a sense of community and being together during the holiday and serving others,” Ms. Sheridan said.

Since late October, ARTS Club officers have prepared for the event by deciding the budget, ordering supplies and gifts, obtaining wishlists from the elementary students, and choosing volunteers. 

“Everybody does their part when they’re an officer, (and) especially this year, we have a really awesome board put together,” ARTS Club co-president and communications senior Jason Monaco said. “Especially as co-president these past two years, there’s so much effort that goes into putting this whole thing together. It takes so many people to be able to give these kids an experience that’s worth remembering.”

The Jefferson Jubilee is organized by ARTS Club in collaboration with the School District of Palm Beach County’s Migrant Education Program (MEP), which helps the club connect with the elementary schools and preschools. 

“It’s (ARTS Club members) a great group of kids,” MEP employee Stephanie Velez said. “They’re always excited for this event. I know this has been going on for a long time, so I know it’s a big tradition for not only our pre-K students and our teachers, but also for the migrant program.”

After their day at the school doing crafts, playing with student volunteers, and opening gifts, the preschool and elementary school students took their buses back home. However, Pahokee Elementary School teacher Bernita Willingham said that the impact lasts longer than just the day of the party.

“They are very enthused about the program,” Ms. Willingham said. “When they come every year, they are very excited. They go home and tell their parents all about the memories that they make every year.”