Singletary started it all. An idea that began 10 years ago at Troup Elementary School as a way to provide some new experiences for young children has evolved into a Christmas tradition that involves not just the school, but many organizations in the community as well.

Last Thursday (Dec. 8), five classes of Troup second graders enjoyed the 10th annual Second Grade Luncheon at Troup’s Cameron-J. Jarvis Municipal Library. Special honored guests their teachers, Troup Superintendent Mar vin Beaty, and the three teachers who started it all 10 years ago.

Linda Kay Evans, Shirley Crossland, and Jan Singletary are no longer second grade teachers. Evans is retired and Crossland is a reading intervention teacher for TISD, while Singletar y is a reading recovery teacher here. But in 1995, they were co-workers who as second grade teachers felt that they wanted to do something to give their children some experiences that many had never had before.

They came up with the idea of taking the second graders to a theatre production and then having a formal luncheon to give the children a chance to dress in their Sunday clothes and enjoy a more formal lunch (with more formal manners) than the school cafeteria provided.

Above, the talented group, Jewels for Jesus, performed for the students, teachers, and guests. The first play in 1995 was “Around the world in 80 Days,” recalled Singletary. She noted that the event was more simple at first, but has grown over the years into a “wonderful, elaborate, production” thanks to the efforts of parents and a wide variety of Troup organizations, such as the Troup Women’s Civic Organization, who have stepped forward to donate to the event’s success.

“Because of the support of the community,” she continued, “the luncheon has become something everyone looks forward to.”

This year, the second graders traveled to the Rogers Children’s Theatre at the Tyler Rose Garden where they enjoyed a production “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Then back in Troup, they unloaded from their busses at the There, dressed in their Sunday manners, the 86 youngsters enjoyed a very nice holiday dinner provided for them by the second grade mothers, along with the support of the community.

At right, second grade mom Misty Noel stands with the cakes she baked for the gala event’s dessert. Each child received a stocking and a gift. While they ate, a group of five young Troup girls—Jewels for Jesus—entertained the audience of teachers, children, and guests with a synchronized performance set to music praising God and Jesus. The group performs with Southern gospel singer Shelly Wilson.

After the main meal, everyone was treated to dessert—cakes professionally prepared and decorated just for the occasion by one of the mothers. It was certainly a day to remember. And if you ask this year’s Troup seniors, they just might remember it, too. They were the first to experience what has evolved into a holiday event that is not to be missed.

Second grade teachers in 2005 are proud to be both participants and guests for the 10th anniversary event. Smiling faces tell the story. This year’s second grade classes at Troup Elementary are now part of a great tradition that began a decade ago with the students who are this year’s graduating seniors.