William L. Buck School Welcomes the New Year with Cultural Celebration

Students at William L. Buck School in the Valley Stream 24 School District kicked off 2025 with enthusiasm and a celebration of culture, community, and new beginnings. The school recently hosted a New Year’s cultural celebration, providing students with an opportunity to set personal goals for the year ahead while sharing their diverse backgrounds and aspirations for the future.

“This event was a wonderful opportunity for our students to come together, embrace the start of a new year, and celebrate the rich cultures and backgrounds that make up the Valley Stream 24 community,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Unal Karakas. “As we continue hosting Family Forums in our district, events like this allow students and their families to share not only dishes from their cultures but also stories, traditions, and a deeper appreciation for the diversity that makes our district so special.”

“Our families brought in dishes that represented their cultures, creating a wonderful opportunity to share traditions and personal stories,” said Principal Michael DeBlasio. “Food has a unique way of bringing people together, and this celebration was a meaningful reminder of the unity and connection we share as a community.”

The event featured food, music, dancing, and a strong sense of community spirit. Students created and displayed vision boards to showcase their goals and what they look forward to most in 2025. Third through sixth grade students, along with their families, contributed a variety of foods and snacks, representing the many heritages that enrich the school district community.

For more information about Valley Stream 24, please visit the District’s website at https://valleystreamschooldist... and ‘like’ our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/VS24S... #MakeTheConnection #VS24