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The Head Start Carolers delight those gathered in the Chancellor's Suite. Image by Bryan Clifton

Head Start Carolers Bring Merriment to UAMS

Dec. 21, 2023 | A delightful tradition continued Dec. 18 as preschoolers from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Head Start program delivered a spirited performance, full of holiday cheer.

Students from the UAMS Head Start program have sung carols on campus for more than 20 years. Dressed in green T-shirts and Santa caps, 11 carolers, ages 4 and 5, spent about an hour building excitement for the holidays as only children that age can.

UAMS Head Start staff, carolers, family members and friends arrived on campus and organized in the area around Doc Java. Teacher’s assistant Peggy Neville led students in a warmup session, giving those coming and going a preview of what was to come.

The group headed to the Chancellor’s Suite, where Stephanie Gardner, Pharm.D., Ed.D., UAMS provost, chief academic officer and chief strategy officer, and other administrators were treated to spirited renditions of such traditional Christmas songs as “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”

“I look forward to the Head Start carolers every year,” said Gardner. “Their exuberance and joy just bring an immediate smile to my face.”

The next stop was the College of Medicine dean’s office, where Neville led the group in singing and clapping, providing a pleasant break for UAMS staffers who eagerly listened in.

The biggest stage was yet to come, as everyone made their way to Lobby Cafe to sing their hearts out for UAMS staff and visitors who stopped to check out the show.

“I love it. I love for everyone to see how our kids are and how much they learn,” Neville said. “It’s joyous to watch them enjoy themselves.”

UAMS has administered the Head Start federally funded program in Pulaski County since 1998.