Michael Huggins, a 1985 Scott High School graduate, has spent nearly a decade donning the red suit at schools and community events.
TOLEDO, Ohio — A Scott High School graduate known across the region as “Black Santa 419” returned to his alma mater Friday, surprising students with music, inspiration and a little holiday magic.
Michael Huggins, a 1985 Scott High School graduate, has spent nearly a decade donning the red suit at schools and community events throughout the 419. He said his mission is to spread joy year-round and give back to the community that shaped him.
“I’m a nine-year Santa Claus and I make my way all through the 419. I uplift myself and all the kids from 1 to 99. It’s Christmas time,” Huggins said.
Huggins said returning to Scott High School is more than tradition; it’s a calling.
“To come back and give hours and hours of community time to give the kids the right guidance to go down this road, we need that,” he said.
Students were unaware Huggins would be making an appearance. Scott High School’s choir director, David Zippay, coordinated the surprise.
“I didn’t tell any of the students he was coming. It means a great lot. Mr. Huggins is giving back to his community that he grew up in and involving us in his plans for bigger and better things. And we’re always looking to grow any way we can,” Zippay said.
Zippay said the choir has grown from 16 to 60 students during his nine years at the school, and moments like this help keep that momentum going.
“It really helps to get everybody in the building in the Christmas spirit. The staff loves it. I think it’s just creating generations of longevity and enjoyment in our choir,” he said.
Students said seeing an alum return as a community figure was encouraging.
“He put me in the Christmas spirit and made me sing better, made me stand out larger than ever,” said senior Nehemiah Butler.
“I feel like it inspires us more to sing better for the Christmas spirit,” said sophomore Armoni Edwards.
For Huggins, giving back to Scott High School remains deeply personal.
“To come back and give some hours and time to uplift the kids, especially at this time of year, is really humbling to my soul,” he said.
