Students, staff and campus organizations at Jimmy Carter Early College High School came together during the holiday season to support CARE Academy students through a campuswide Secret Santa initiative.
CARE Academy is a La Joya ISD program housed within JCECHS that focuses on developing career readiness and life skills through achievement and empowerment for students ages 18 and older in special education. While CARE Academy operates independently, its students are members of the Carter campus community.
Now in its second year, the CARE Academy Secret Santa, led by educator Ivan Silva, invited clubs, organizations, staff and grade levels to adopt a CARE Academy student and fulfill items from their holiday wish lists. Participants gathered for a gift-giving event where students shared hot chocolate, snacks and conversation as gifts were opened.
“As members of our school community, preserving traditions and prioritizing inclusivity is essential,” Silva said. “The CARE Academy Secret Santa provides a sense of continuity while reminding us to be kids and to think of others. It grounds all of us, especially during a time when many students and adults alike are experiencing stress.”
Silva said the most meaningful part of the event was seeing students from across campus interact in an authentic and welcoming environment.
“I was genuinely moved by the outpouring of care from everyone involved,” he said. “Seeing Carter and CARE Academy students sitting together, talking, engaging and getting to know one another meant a great deal to me. It brought me genuine joy.”
Freshman Regina Cantu, a member of a campus organization that adopted a CARE Academy student, said the experience left a lasting impression.
“It was beautiful and honestly made me cry because he [a CARE Academy student] was so happy,” Cantu said. “It honestly touched my heart.”