MILWAUKEE — Students at Milwaukee High School of the Arts got an unexpected holiday surprise Monday when actor Hugh Jackman walked into their music class with a special message and gifts.

The visit wasn't just a celebrity appearance. For students like Jasper Davidson, a senior creative writing major, it felt like validation of their artistic dreams.

"It felt validating, it felt like we were appreciated," Davidson said.

Students initially thought they were getting a preview of Jackman's new film "Song Sung Blue" until the actor himself walked through their classroom door, prompting screams and cheers from surprised teenagers.

"It was lovely to see the arts exalted like that," Davidson said.

Jackman, accompanied by director Craig Brewer, stopped at the Milwaukee Public Schools arts magn

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