Welcome to the South Pole
Itzel Chavez smiled, her hands clasped above her gift. She shook with excitement as she waited to tear into the red wrapping paper. Chavez joined other kindergarten and first-grade students in Santa Fe South High School’s auditorium in Oklahoma City as they unwrapped dolls, remote control cars, action figures and coloring books during the school’s annual Christmas party and gift exchange.
“Some of these kids don’t really have a lot. Some of them may not get another Christmas present other than what they get today,” said Sally Barton, a teacher at SFSHS who helped organize the holiday party.
The program paired a high school student with an elementary school student for lunch, presents and performances by high school choir and steel drum groups. Santa Claus also made a special appearance, sitting under a banner that read “Welcome to the South Pole.”
“I think it’s a great opportunity for the high school kids who maybe didn’t have as much when they were younger to be able to participate and give back to the community,” Barton said.

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