MGCCA students bring joy, service, and connection to Fairfield’s Spooktacular Karaoke Luncheon
Fairfield, CA (December 5, 2025) – Matt Garcia Career & College Academy (MGCCA) students once again partnered with the City of Fairfield’s Parks and Recreation Department to support its annual Spooktacular Karaoke Luncheon! Drawing about 100 attendees this year, it stands out as one of their most popular events. Students helped serve meals, decorate the space, support event activities, and brighten the day for everyone in attendance.
What makes this event so meaningful is the connection between the generations. Seniors shared how much they appreciate talking with the students, noting how friendly, polite, and well-mannered they are. Students didn’t just serve lunch; they spent time in conversation – sharing about school, their future plans, their families – while also listening to stories and life lessons from the older adults. Many students even remarked that the seniors “really know how to have fun,” adding to the lively, joyful atmosphere.
Pat Anderson, Program Specialist for the City of Fairfield, expressed her appreciation for the partnership: “We enjoy having the students volunteer at our events. They are reliable, always polite, patient, and exude top-of-the-line customer service. Their presence elevates the experience for our seniors in such a positive way and we are thankful to the school for encouraging the students to volunteer!”
MGCCA Counselor Billy Nicoe Hurst helped guide students through the serving process and ensured they were confident and prepared. Students took on a variety of responsibilities, including the serving of meals and beverages, decorating the room, assisting with activities, and stepping in wherever help was needed.
“When our students give back to the community, they gain just as much as they offer,” shared Superintendent Jennifer Sachs when asked about the students’ efforts. “Experiences like this help them grow into compassionate, confident young adults. I’m so proud of the way they represented our district with kindness and respect engaging with multi-generational community members.”
Principal Shabana Johnson echoed this sentiment, adding, “Our students look forward to opportunities like this because they are able to connect what they learn in school to real-world experiences, while giving back to the community that continually supports us. Events like this remind me why service learning is such an important part of who we are at Matt Garcia.”
The Spooktacular Karaoke Luncheon continues to be a cherished tradition, made even more special by the relationships built between students and seniors. Opportunities like this allow students to grow into responsible leaders—and the entire community benefits from their energy, kindness, and willingness to serve.
