Teachers at Brookwood Elementary take their holiday spirit out on the road every year.
About 20 carolers sing in front of the school and then head out on a school bus for visits to Blackstone Neighborhood Park and Bow Creek Recreation Center, where neighbors young and old listen to the caroling and applaud with approval. Santa, Mrs. Claus and Buddy the Elf pass out candy canes to the crowds.
“It just brings the students so much joy, and they bring the joy back to us,” said Santa Claus, who some people say has a remarkable resemblance to community member Geoff Klein. (Buddy the Elf is known by some as Alan Hosack.)
Chantal Leary-Cox, driver of Bus No. 496, said she loves riding the cheerful crew around the community.
“I love seeing the Christmas spirit shared with the students,” she said.
“It’s great!” principal Lauren Celentano added.
Teachers agree with this sentiment:
- “We love it,” said Michelle Baker.
- “It’s really fun,” said Dione McTyre.
- “It is very heartwarming and a positive message around the holiday season,” said Madeline Ebersole.
Tracy Loalbo, kindergarten assistant, has been involved with the event for the past seven years.
“This tradition for our community brings everyone together at a very beautiful time of year,” she said. “It fosters love, commitment and a community feel. We all work together for our students’ success, and this is a tradition that fosters all of these attributes in a very fun way.”
