News

Holidays at Hartsfield-Jackson event wraps a year of community projects 2009
By Roishina C. Henderson
Hartsfield-Jackson’s year of community outreach and partnerships culminates in December with Holidays at Hartsfield-Jackson, an annual program to spread holiday cheer to about 650 first-grade students from Airport-area schools.

This year’s 13th annual event on December 18 is themed “Holidays Around the World” and also aims to educate the children about ways that people in other countries celebrate the holidays.

He won’t be in a Santa Claus suit, but Aviation General Manager Ben DeCosta will be at the AirTran Airways hangar to serve as master of ceremonies for Holidays at Hartsfield-Jackson.

Activities include holiday music from Dee-Ann Wooldridge, entertainment by Clowning 4 You, a puppet show, visits from popular mascot characters, class photos with Santa and gifts for the teachers. Students will receive gift bags filled with school supplies and goodies from Airport concessionaires as well as boxed lunches to go.

“Hartsfield-Jackson’s community of employees and companies work tirelessly each year to provide the students with an event they will remember their entire lives,” said Tracy Gilbert, Aviation special programs manager. “We coordinate a spectacular program for the students. After all, it’s about spreading goodwill and cheer to deserving little kids.”

Participating elementary schools are Bethune, Cascade, Emma Hutchinson, Humphries, Love T. Nolan, S.L. Lewis and Stonewall Tell

675 Pupils Wowed During
Holidays @ Hartsfield-Jackson 2008
By Roishina C. Henderson

What small child wouldn't want to walk a red carpet among dancing bubbles, smiling faces and cheers as they entered a Winter Wonderland?

It was all things whimsical for more than 675 first-graders, who jumped and grinned at the sight of Elmo, Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Once inside, the children burned off more energy through dancing and singing during Holidays @ Hartsfield-Jackson.

"I'm enjoying everything, especially Elmo," said enthusiastic 6-year-old Calvin Allen.

Even the teachers couldn't contain their excitement. "I was just floored at how amazing everything was ... the entire presentation and how involved the volunteers are," said first-grade teacher Katy Ulrich from Hendrix Drive Unidos Dual Language Charter School.

Meeting costumed characters was just the beginning of the day, as the pupils were treated to goodie bags, snacks and entertainment from Sprinkles the Clown. Puppeteer Peter Hart dazzled the audience with dancing and singing stringed puppets, and magician D'Avante Parks performed eye-opening tricks during his interactive show. He also shared pearls of wisdom about the importance of education and treating everyone with love and respect. The teachers received gifts and shook hands with Clayton County Schools Superintendent John W. Thompson.

A Japanese consulate brought an international component to the festivities and talked about cultural holiday traditions. As a grand finale, Santa made his big entrance and took pictures with each of the schools.

Airport employees enjoyed seeing the kids' faces light up. Customer Service Supervisor Naomi Holder said, "I [volunteer] for myself because it's about the spirit of giving and volunteering. I like helping anywhere I can."

Participating schools include Deerwood Academy, Bethune Elementary, Romar Academy, Hendrix Drive Unidos Dual Language Charter School, Heritage Elementary, Lake City Elementary, E.J. Swint Elementary and Riverdale Elementary.

Decor, Characters, Balloonist, Emcee and Entertainment (Sprinkles the clown) were provided by Clowning 4 You!