Walker students save Christmas

Children the world over will enjoy a Merry Christmas thanks to David L. Walker students who recently freed Santa from jail.

So what was the jolly old elf himself doing in the hoosegow?

Teaching fifth-grade students about the American legal system through the "Santa Claus Goes to Jail" program.

"It's a wonderful program that gives students a knowledge and awareness of both sides of the legal system and how it works," said Walker Principal Betty Lewis. "It helps bridge the gap between education and the legal system."

Showing students from five Title I schools that education can lead to a career as an attorney, judge, bailiff, police officer, fireman or other public servant, the program is the brain-child of Fort Worth attorney Bobbie Edmonds.

"'Santa Claus Goes to Jail' is a courtroom drama written by Bobbie Edmonds 20 years ago. A real judge (Cynthia Mendoza), and the students play most of the major roles in the play. They even get to be jurors," Lewis said, noting Edmonds tries to make the experience as close to real-life as possible. "The jurors even got paid. She explained to the kids what a stipend was and then gave the jurors each an envelope with $5 in it. They were so excited."

Santa, stopped for speeding, is arrested and tried for his crimes. In the end, the witnesses clear his name so he can get back to delivering Christmas gifts.

After the courtroom drama is over, Edmonds and her special guests, Congressman Marc Veasey, Fort Worth Fire Chief Rudy Jackson and Tarrant County Sheriff Dee Anderson, talk to the students about careers, positive choices and the importance of education in future success.

"All the students are also required to write an essay on what they can do to make a difference in the world. This year, one of our students was chosen as the essay contest winner," Lewis said of fifth-grader Jaylin Timms who, along with the others attending, left the experience empowered. "In all, this was a real positive for our students. They enjoyed the experience and all felt like winners."

Winning "Santa Goes to Jail" Essay

By Jaylin Timms, Ms. Starnes 5th grade class

I think education is important because you must have it for the necessities in life such as food, clothing and a roof over your head. I know that not everyone gets the job they want or accepted into their first choice of college. However, I do know that a job can help you in life and a good job can give you more money.

A family can help you and act as a role model in life because you do need support to get the things you want. If you have your family by our side, then you can celebrate with them when you get accepted into college or other promotions. I know that I need to go to college to get a degree so I can get a good paying job that hopefully, pays lots of money. Then, I would like to help support my family, like they did for me. If they see something they want, I want to be able to buy it for them.

My role model is Barack Obama because of his speeches being amazing and his success in leading our country. I know Mr. Obama is an intelligent man because he is the leader of our nation and cares for people. One day, I know that I will get a good education and work to inspire others just like my role model Mr. Obama.