Leadership at MJS: The Harvest Festival

From organizing major events and Reach Out fundraisers to heads of School Families, every eighth-grade student at Mayfield Junior School has the opportunity to develop leadership skills through student activities. The challenges of organizing a community event or activity not only build character, but also help students learn about themselves and become more confident in their abilities. Student Council Snack Bars, the Harvest Festival, Christmas Adopt-a-Family, Love Grams and Blue and White Day are designed to develop life skills such as problem solving, time management and collaboration. With the support of the entire community behind them, the eighth graders are encouraged to create their own legacy within these traditions.

The Harvest Festival is perhaps the biggest event the eighth graders produce each year and one of the most anticipated. First held in 1949, over the years the Harvest Festival has been everything from an elaborately themed event with special entertainment to a Halloween party for children from an inner city parish school in the 1970s. Today the eighth grade class is responsible for planning and running the entire festival. Different committees, such as booths and games, the haunted house, food and raffle, each solicit donations, book vendors, organize, build and man the booths, and market the event. It is a major undertaking that challenges the students to make good choices, show patience and remain focused. With guidance from their advisors the eighth graders always take their responsibilities seriously and produce a successful event. This year was no exception. The 2018 Harvest Festival saw record crowds, many amazing costumes and a few standard booths and games reimagined by this creative class.
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Mayfield Junior School

Located in Pasadena, California, Mayfield Junior School of the Holy Child Jesus is a K-8 Catholic coeducational private school. Our kindergarten, elementary school, and middle school experience best prepares students for high school education and beyond.