“The Little Jags are excited about the storybook character walk,” said Hicks.

October may be the month to break out the scary movies and carve pumpkins, but Athens celebrates the spooky day a little differently.  It is known as the Story Book Character Walk. The Little Jags go around the school on the day before Halloween. They knock on teachers doors and ask for treats.     

“It’s something that the [high school] students look forward to because it makes their day different,” said Angela Green, freshman.

The Little Jags program is split into two age groups, the Baby Jags and the Junior Jags. The Baby Jags are children three and under and the Junior Jags are children four and five. The Little Jags program is a day care center as well as a preparation into kindergarten.

“Athens has a unique program that serves little ones ages 3-5,” said Paulette Hicks, Child Development Center director.

Every year the Little Jags dress up for the event as fairies, princesses, Thomas the Train, Star Wars characters, Buzz Light Year, favorite animals and many more.

“It’s a really good program because it gives the little jags a chance to interact with high school kids and the high school kids a chance to step up and be role models,” said Angela Green, freshman.

Most staff members, parents, and students alike enjoy the little jags going from classroom to classroom showing off their costumes. Some of the staff members make paper jack-o-lanterns and place them outside their doors. The lanterns give the Little Jags the green light to welcome themselves into the classroom for treats.

            “Thank you from all the teachers in the child development center to the administration, staff and the entire student body for receiving the Little Jags with such a big jaguar hug and that great jaguar spirit,” said Hicks.