NATCHEZ — Some of Natchez’s brightest teenagers attempted to light up the faces of senior citizens by spreading Christmas cheer this week to area nursing home residents.

The Mayor’s Youth Council, an assemblage of students from local high schools that work with city officials on projects, spent a few hours after school on Tuesday and Wednesday caroling at multiple facilities.

ACCS student Shelby Mason said the group’s goal over the two days was simple.

“Just spreading the Christmas spirit,” Mason said. “Just so that everyone can have a little bit of joy.”

Six students capped Wednesday with a visit to Natchez Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center near the corner of Arlington Avenue and Homochitto Street.

After receiving a round of applause from approximately 20 seniors for the choir’s rendition of “Oh, Christmas Tree,” the students told the story of the birth of Jesus, from Joseph and Mary’s journey to Bethlehem to the arrival of the three wise men.

Before leaving, the students left the seniors with one more dose of good tidings, belting out a verse from “Joy to the World” and receiving another round of applause.

Natchez Early College Academy student Kenneth Seals provided musical accompaniment for the singers.

“I play the piano for the choir, and the first times were successful,” Seals said.

A Natchez Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center administrator said the performance made her happy not just for the seniors, but for the whole community knowing that such high-character teens are in the area.

“It makes me feel honored to have them come here,” she said. “I’m just very grateful that they thought highly enough of us to come in here and share that with our residents.”

Natchez Mayor Darryl Grennell’s aiide Arrick Rice, who is heavily involved with the youth council, said the students also constructed homemade ornaments that they left with every nursing home they visited.

“This is a remarkable group,” Rice said. “I think they have brightened up the residents, and it’s a pleasure working with them.”