Woman's Club sponsors a heartwarming celebration

As has been done since 2014, the Wasco Woman's Club helped ring in the holiday season for the special education students of Wasco High School with treats, music, dancing and, of course, Santa.

Brian Cortez is an administrator for the Kern County Superintendent of Schools, which runs the special education program. "This is something we always look forward to. It's giving our students an opportunity to have a fun social event and celebrate the spirit of Christmas."

"It's also fun to watch them interact with their families and the staff that work with them each day in the classroom. It's just so nice to see everybody together. We are really grateful for the Woman's Club to be able to participate in something like this."

Rob Hefner also works for the KCSOS as a program specialist. "Today is special because it allows the children to get out and have a wonderful time," he said. "A highlight is seeing the smiles on their faces and their happiness getting to dance and enjoy themselves in a way they couldn't in a normal school environment."

Alison Hall, the principal, said of the party, "The joy that the kids bring to me is amazing. The kids are so excited to have that one-on-one attention from Santa and have that gift that is picked especially for them that they get to open."

Joanne Garza is a teacher who loves seeing the kids happy and excited. "We appreciate the Wasco ladies for doing this every year for us."

"The best part is when Santa walks in and the look on the kid's faces because, for some of them, it may be the only time in the season they may get to see Santa. For the parents that are here, they enjoy it just as much as the kids do."

Leo Chavez is another teacher. "I love it. I appreciate the Woman's Club and how they host it every year for us. I like how all four classes come together, and they get to see their friends and support each other, dance and mingle."

Parent Eloisa Navarrete said, "It's so cute and so thoughtful of everybody to think about the kids and make it a special moment for them, buying them pizza, gifts and dessert. I appreciate that the kids had a great time, and it's nice that DJ Boomdog came and played music for them."

Marlene Swan is a long-time Wasco Woman's Club member and said of the event, "It's a wonderful thing. The teachers and aids thank us profusely for doing this. I hope it never ends. I keep coming back because I want to watch the kids grow up from year to year."