Brooklyn Education: I.S. 228 shares holiday spirit

The PTA of I.S. 228 shared its holiday spirit and gave back to the community this season.  It sponsored a Marine Toys for Tots drive and collected toys from parents, students and staff.  The PTA also co-sponsored a canned food drive with its Girl Scout Troop 2717 for the Salt and Sea Mission in Coney Island.

On December 4, the Xaverian community welcomed local senior citizens for an afternoon of Christmas-themed performances and camaraderie. The first annual Christmas Café Cabaret was a huge success. Students from grades six to12 volunteered their time and talents.

Students in the Music at Xaverian (MAX) program’s orchestra ensemble, jazz ensemble and choir performed various pieces, and the Xaverian Speech and Debate Team delivered dramatic readings. The Dramatics Society also performed a scene from its production of Neil Simon’s “The Sunshine Boys.”  During intermissions, students served refreshments.  There were festive decorations and dancing!

On November 20, Xaverian hosted its annual Spirit of Xaverian Gala at the El Caribe Country Club. The event drew nearly 400 attendees and honored several individuals. The 20th anniversary of the arrival of the Genesis Middle School Program at Xaverian was also commemorated.

The evening’s events were made special by the presence of student volunteers throughout the program. Guests were greeted by the Music at Xaverian students playing harps, and the Jazz Band played throughout cocktail hour. The dinner portion of the evening was kicked off with an appearance by the Pipe and Drum Corps and an a cappella rendition of the national anthem sung by Michael Curcio ‘18.

One of the most exciting moments of the evening came when broadcasting legend Bob Costas took the microphone as a special surprise guest to introduce his friend, Dr. Andrew Fiore ’66, who was awarded the Bernard McQuillan Distinguished Alumnus Award.

I.S. 187 recently held its annual eighth grade veterans assembly.  The guest veterans were Colonel Lawrence Moloney, Staff Sergeant Thomas Trombone and Petty Officer 1st Class Irwin Meyer.

The purpose of the assembly was to allow students to learn from the men who lived the lives described in the textbooks and to honor these brave men for their service to our country. The assembly began with a color guard and the Pledge of Allegiance.  Keira Doherty and Camilla Bettig sang the national anthem with Mr. Adinolfi on the piano.

The students listened to the stories of war and service that each man had to tell.  The veterans received framed certificates from the school honoring their service.

At the end of the assembly, everyone in the room stood up for a rousing ovation. It was an experience that the students will always remember. The assembly was arranged by Academy for Arts and Humanities Facilitator Rudy Passaro.