Words and Image by Jenny Lynn Davis
Students in the Jasper City Schools Success Program will spread some holiday cheer with a Christmas carol performance at 10:30 a.m. on December 10 on downtown Jasper’s Courthouse Square.
The event is part of the program’s ongoing effort to connect students with the community while helping them build confidence, independence, and real-world skills.
Success Program instructor Blaine Eads said the idea grew from the program’s emphasis on community involvement. “We try to get our students out into the community at least once a month,” he said. “For this project, we wanted something that helped them engage with others in a meaningful, joyful way.”
Students have spent the past month practicing their carols every afternoon. The songs have challenged them, but the pride they feel in preparing for the performance has been rewarding.
“For them, just being able to have the confidence to get up and perform is huge,” Eads said. “With some of their disabilities and the learning curve that comes with memorizing songs, the fact that they’ve done it is a big deal.”
Nariyah Lyles says she has enjoyed practicing the songs with her classmates, her favorite being “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” and while she is a bit nervous for the performance, she is excited to spread Christmas cheer in the community.
The performance is part of a larger December service project. Students will also visit Ridgewood Health Services to interact with residents and deliver a gift basket. Eads hopes local business leaders will join them on the square to support the students and learn more about the program’s mission.
While the Success Program includes academic instruction, it is primarily focused on preparing students for life after high school. Independence, to whatever extent is possible for each student, drives the program.
“Students can stay in the Success Program until they’re 21, and we really work toward independence,” Eads said. “Yes, they have academic work, but our program is centered on teaching life skills. We want the ones who can to be able to cook, self-advocate, and not have to rely as much on others after high school.”
Students cook every Friday, clean their classroom, and practice laundry and dishwashing. They also participate in mock interviews, job-training activities, and community outings designed to strengthen both practical skills and confidence.
Eads hopes the upcoming caroling performance reminds the community of the many things these students have to offer.
“Even though our students are different, they can still be a bright light in our community,” he said. “The world is so quick to criticize, but these students have so much to give. This experience is for them, yes, but it’s also a chance for them to be a light for others.”
The community is invited to come out, support the students, and enjoy a celebration of the season. WL
