Local elementary students make Santa’s ‘nice’ list at FIU


Elementary students from 11 of South Florida’s Title I schools were recently treated with some holiday cheer – FIU style.

Students from underrepresented schools who have excelled academically were selected by their principals to participate in the 25th Annual Children’s Holiday Celebration, hosted by FIU’s Office of Student Access & Success and the Division of Human Resources on Dec. 5.

This year’s attendees included students, teachers and principals from Arch Creek Elementary, Avocado Elementary, Charles R. Drew K-8 Academy, Coconut Palm K-8 Academy, Dr. William A. Chapman Elementary, Florida City Elementary, Frederick Douglass Elementary, Jesse J. McCrary Jr. Elementary, Liberty City Elementary, Phillis Wheatley Elementary and Scott Lake Elementary.

“It’s been a privilege to be part of the Children’s Holiday Celebration,” said Donald Mills, a teacher at Florida City Elementary. “The joy the students experience is immeasurable and being able to experience the spirit of FIU is inspiring!”

Throughout the morning, children “worked” in a makeshift toy workshop with The Home Depot staff. They then performed in a holiday skit contest, which included singing and dancing. Students from the winning schools, Liberty City Elementary and Coconut Palm K-8 Academy, went home with a laptop sponsored by Office Depot/OfficeMax. Four undergraduate students were also awarded the Student Access & Success Undergraduate Success Scholarship.

Attendees then gathered in the Graham Center Ballrooms and were treated to a holiday luncheon with special guests, including Burnie the Miami HEAT mascot, Billy the Marlin, Roary, Santa and Mrs. Claus. The biggest surprise came at the close of the event when students were treated to a visit to Santa’s Toy Shop, showered with toys and a brand new bikes as a reward for their stellar academic performance.

The annual celebration also serves as an opportunity to inspire students to do well in school and pursue higher education. Dozens of volunteers and sponsors, including The Home Depot, Ricoh@FIU, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Office Depot/OfficeMax, rallied to make this year’s community event possible.

“The Children’s Holiday Celebration is one of my favorite events at FIU. It really highlights the spirit of community and engagement of FIU that is so deep-rooted in our mission,” said Sonja Montas-Hunter, assistant vice provost of Student Access & Success. “The event gives us the opportunity of engaging our future Panthers.”

To view more images of this year’s events, please click here.  

– By Giselle Heraux

Comments are closed.