Smiles were on the faces of the students of Jones Elementary when Santa Claus paid a visit. Marquice O’Leary, a graduate assistant in the Office of Disability Services, approached his superiors about an idea of his. He wanted to do something special for the kids and needed their support. O’Leary took it upon himself to make the contacts he needed in order to make this a special event.
He first approached Dr. Kay Norman, director of Disability Services, and Belinda Lewis, program specialist with Disability Services, about his idea to help the children and give back. They were happy to help assist him. Once the team was on board, he visited the Jones Elementary campus to present the Principal with his idea. The principal was excited to help, but scheduling would present a challenge for both the Office of Disability Services and the Jones Elementary students. During this time, college students are taking finals and need to focus on preparing for their tests. The Jones Elementary students are occupied most of the school day. “We had to find a block when they weren’t busy,” said O’Leary. “Recess and lunch time are a time when they’re not busy so we decided to host the event during those times.”
This past summer, O’Leary was an intern with the Prairie View Volunteer Fire Department. “I’m still a part of that family over there so I just called up one of my buddies,” O’Leary said. He requested a fire truck be present for the event to add a nice touch. The Fire Department agreed to be present as long as no calls or major events were happening. Not only did O’Leary want to involve the Disability Services team and the fire department, he wanted to bring Santa along, present 1st graders with gifts and host a pizza party for the 5th graders.
O’Leary needed help so he turned to his friends for assistance. He asked former football teammate Tommy Robinson to serve as Santa. “I wanted to get a big fluffy guy in the Santa suit,” says O’Leary. “He fit the bill, stepped into character and did really well.” Once “Santa” was on board, it was time to fundraise for the presents and pizza party. During lunch time, O’Leary and his friend Reginald Jackson set up a table outside the Memorial Student Center Cafeteria and asked their fellow students for donations. “A lot of people donated by giving money and toys,” O’Leary said. After a few hours of donations, they headed to the store to pick out the remainder of the gifts and wrapping paper. 
Jones Elementary students were shocked to see Santa and a Fire Truck when they were released for recess. Each class got to take a group picture with the jolly man himself. They asked for superhero powers, game consoles and a host of different gifts for Christmas while receiving their gifts. Santa listened closely, took notes and wished them a Happy Holidays as they walked off. He then headed into the cafeteria for the 5th grade pizza party. Once inside, Santa let out a loud “ho ho ho” to announce his arrival. Students were pleased to see such a guest who came bearing pizza, cookies, brownies and juice. Santa’s helpers, members of the Disability Services team, along with Jones Elementary teachers helped distribute the goodies to the children.
In 1977, Kay Norman, Ph.D., did her student teaching at Jones Elementary and this event was the first time she returned to the school. She said she was proud to have students join her and continue the spirit of giving to the children of Waller County. “This whole idea of communi-versity came to life through the efforts of students like Marquice O’Leary,” Norman says. “We should all be proud of the type of students Prairie View is as attracting, grooming and graduating.“ O’Leary’s big idea was successful and put smiles on the faces of several children. With the help of different areas across the University and the City of Prairie View, an idea became a reality.
Written by Jourdan B. Scruggs, M.A.