Connolly School Welcomes Back Cancer Free Classmate

Students and staff at Connolly School gave a heartwarming welcome to fifth-grader Carter Suozzi who has been out of school for many months battling cancer.

Carter has officially become cancer free since being diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma, an aggressive form of cancer, in April.

The Suozzi family was greeted with balloons that lined the school’s entrance, as well as students and faculty who offered hugs and warm wishes, rejoicing in Carter’s cancer-free status.

Once in his classroom, Carter smiled happily as he received small gifts and handmade cards created by his classmates in honor of his return to school. He then enjoyed a bagel breakfast with his classmates and was invited by Principal Rosemarie Sekelsky to recite the Pledge of Allegiance over the school’s intercom system for the entire student body.

The entire school community also enjoyed cupcakes as part of Carter’s celebration, thanks to St. Rocco’s Bakery in Glen Cove.

In the months leading up to his return, Carter had expressed his wish that everyone in the school building would have a cupcake. St. Rocco’s generously donated 500 cupcakes to the school in his honor.

Story by Syntax

Photos courtesy of Glen Cove City School District:

1. Connolly student Carter Suozzi received a tremendous greeting from his classmates when returned to school on Sept. 28.
2. Principal Rosemarie Sekelsky gave Cater a hug when he arrived at school.
3. Connolly School students and sisters Faith, Grace and Joy Santana created shirts in honor of Carter’s return to school.
4. Carter and his teacher Susan Stanco read cards created by his classmates.
5. Carter Suozzi was joined by his parents Ralph and Jane, and his brother Alex when he returned to school.