At Hempfield High School, the preschoolers were in for an unforgettable holiday surprise. Their holiday party, already filled with cheer and excitement, took a magical turn when Santa Claus himself made an appearance. The event began with the preschoolers gathering with their parents for daily circle time and singing their favorite song, “Mr. Sun.” Little did they know, the best was yet to come.
Before Santa could make his grand entrance, the children participated in a special activity to summon him. They read the festive story “Pete the Cat” and jingled bells while enthusiastically singing “Jingle Bells.” Their laughter and anticipation filled the room until, finally, the big moment arrived. Santa walked in, and the children’s faces lit up with joy, their excitement erupting in gleeful cheers.
Each child eagerly took their turn to approach Santa, posing for pictures and receiving small gifts. These moments created lasting memories for the children and their families. To conclude the visit, the children gathered around Santa for a heartfelt class photo, capturing the magical experience.
But who was the person behind the iconic red suit? Santa Claus was none other than ninth-grader Bentley Falcon. Bentley, a certified Santa Claus, brought the magic to life for the preschoolers. His journey to becoming a certified Santa began with an online course, where he learned the ropes of embodying the beloved Christmas figure. The course also included insights from professional Santas, allowing him to hone his craft and bring authenticity to his role.
Bentley’s decision to take on this unique role was inspired by his childhood love for the classic holiday movie, The Santa Clause. Watching the film as a young boy sparked his admiration for the spirit of giving and joy associated with Santa. “Seeing the kids’ reactions and expressions makes me happy,” Bentley shared when asked about his favorite part of being Santa.
Bentley’s role as Santa goes far beyond the preschool holiday party. Over the years, he has donned the iconic red suit for parades, parties, dinners, and various other events. His dedication to spreading holiday cheer has made him a well-known figure in his community, embodying the essence of the season wherever he goes.
