BIDDEFORD — The Biddeford Primary School cafeteria was a happening place on Wednesday morning. First-grade students were bowling, playing Skee-Ball, making snow angels and having their faces painted. They were also laughing, running around, and in general, just having a whole lot of fun during their Winter Carnival.

This was the seventh annual carnival, which is put on each year by Biddeford High School students who participate in the Jobs for Maine’s Graduates program.

This year, about 50 students took part, said Dave Pasquarello, who runs the program along with teacher Janelle Harris.

Biddeford’s JMG program is one of more than 70 around the state, said JMG CEO Neil Williamson. He said the programs work with students who face a variety of barriers and helps them stay connected with school and have a smooth transition to adult life.

Williamson said he had heard of the Biddeford Winter Carnival for a number of years, but this was his first time visiting.

“This is such a tremendous event for high schoolers and for the little kids,” he said and added, “It’s such a great event for the community.”

While it was obvious from the smiling faces, laughter and squeals of delight, that the first-graders were having a ball, the high school students, ranging from freshmen through seniors, also seemed like they were having a great time.

“It’s fun to see lots of kids have fun and smile,” said Donkell Bolton, a freshman.

“I absolutely love it,” said Brad Cortright, a junior and the JMG president. “Seeing all the kids having fun is the greatest fun possible.”

The winter carnival is a good event for the first-graders, said several of their teachers.

Just seeing and playing with the older students is a big deal for the youngsters, said first-grade teacher Joyallle Mears.

“It’s an amazing event for these kids,” said first-grade teacher Jane Gosselin. Many don’t have a big Christmas celebration at home, she said.

In addition to a having a good time, the high school students learn valuable skills, like financial literacy and communications while preparing for the winter carnival.

According to Cortright, the high school students spent a month preparing for Wednesday’s event.

They prepared nine games, which included face painting, bowling, Skee-Ball, musical chairs, ornament making, an obstacle course, present ball, Santa bean bag toss and dance freeze.

This year, the students wanted to get T-shirts to give away to the students, so they had to raise $1,400. They also got a number of local businesses to sponsor the event.

The event is a valuable experience for the JMG students, said Harris. The students learn about giving back to the community, she said. They also decide on the events and run the show.

“Just to see the students take the reins” makes the event worthwhile, said Harris.

— Staff Writer Dina Mendros can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 324 or dmendros@journaltribune.com.