Photos: LEADD Walk, Kiwanis Breakfast at LMEC

Drizzle and cool temperatures did not dampen the spirits of residents who participated in Sunday's 25th annual Levittown Education Against Destructive Decisions (LEADD) walk and community fair at the Levittown Memorial Education Center.

Each year, the walk precedes a week-long curriculum of school assemblies and activities that highlight ways for students to live healthy lives and to learn to make decisions that will have positive outcomes.

The walk was preceded by a pancake breakfast held by the Levittown Kiwanis Club, where tickets for a raffle were sold and prizes were awarded.

At the walk, each of the district’s schools marched through the neighborhood behind student-designed banners.

Student Marshals Ramneek Kaur from Division Avenue High School and Katherine Bryson from MacArthur High School accompanied Grand Marshal and social work coordinator Susan Wertheim Farkas, as well as district administrators and Board of Education members.

Several community representatives, including Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray and Town Councilman Gary Hudes, were also present.

After the parade, participants met in the Levittown Memorial gymnasium to hear speeches and introductions prior to a community fair.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. James Grossane welcomed the community to the event and thanked residents fortheir support of the school district.

Grand Marshal Wertheim Farkas also expressed her appreciation for the many years of support for this annual event.

“An event of this magnitude has continued over the past 25 years because of the support of the Levittown community,” she said.

Not only did the students play games at the booths set up throughout the gym, nutritional food and informational booths were also set up by local hospitals and outreach groups, the Farmingdale Library, the Levittown Community Council, the Levittown Historical Society and the Levittown Kiwanis Club to provide participants with information about counseling opportunities, nutritious food options and local events to beautify Levittown.

The event was capped by a performance by Hollyrock Entertainment’s Brain Challenge for the community’s youngest participants.