BELLARMINE-JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL
465 E. OLIVE AVE .  BURBANK, CA 91501
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 30, 2015
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(818) 972-1400
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FAX (818) 559-6387
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Alison Dirstine, Director of Outreach & PR
Bellarmine-Jefferson High School
465 E. Olive Avenue, Burbank, CA 91501
(818) 972-1408 ● www.bell-jeff.net
BELLARMINE-JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS HOST
TRI-VALLEY SPECIAL OLYMPICS CHRISTMAS PARTY
BURBANK, CALIFORNIA, DECEMBER 12, 2015—Bellarmine-Jefferson High School students will be spreading a
little holiday cheer to more than 100 Tri-Valley Special Olympics athletes and their families by hosting the group’s
annual Christmas party on Saturday, December 12, from 1 to 3 p.m.
Bell-Jeff students have organized a holiday wonderland of fun and excitement for this year’s event. There will be
arts and crafts, games, caroling, an assortment of delicious seasonal treats, face painting, a dance contest, gifts to
take home, and of course photos with Santa Claus.
Everything for the party has been donated or created by the students and the event involves a number of service
clubs at Bellarmine-Jefferson to make it all happen. From putting together candy bags and take-home gifts to
organizing games and a dance contest, it takes a host of student and parent volunteers to execute this festive
event.
This is the fourth time Bellarmine-Jefferson students have taken on this project for youth and adult Special
Olympics athletes. Campus Ministry Director Jean Essa said the students take on the challenge with pride.
“Bell-Jeff had volunteered at many Tri-Valley Special Olympics events in the past,” Essa explained. “When they
asked us to take on their Christmas party in 2012, we didn’t even have to think twice about it. Our students get as
much out of planning and hosting the event as the athletes get out of attending. It truly is our favorite project of
the year.”
Established in 1944, Bellarmine-Jefferson High School is a Catholic, archdiocesan, co-educational, four-year,
secondary school providing a balanced college preparatory program and serving a diverse student population
from the San Fernando Valley and surrounding area. Its mission is preparing young women and men for a life of
faith, learning, integrity, and responsible citizenship. Through the integration of Gospel values and emphasis on
each person, the faculty, staff, and students work to create a just and caring community that enriches the learning
process for all. Bellarmine-Jefferson High School is accredited by the Western Catholic Educational Association
(WCEA) and is co-accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
For more information, please contact Alison Dirstine, Director of Outreach & Public Relations, at BellarmineJefferson High School, at (818) 972-1408 or adirstine@bell-jeff.net.
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