Lockhart Students Raise Most Ever For Make-A-Wish

Three children will have their wishes granted thanks to the generosity of students and staff at Lockhart Elementary School in Massapequa.

The school raised its largest amount ever for the Make-A-Wish Foundation -- $13,803.20. The partnership between Lockhart and the non-profit organization that grants wishes for seriously ill children began three decades ago.

Students and staff raised money during a walk-a-thon in the fall. The school community again came together at the 30th annual Make-A-Wish concert on Dec. 21, which featured Christmas and Hanukkah songs performed by the fifth-grade band, chorus and orchestra, as well as a holiday singalong. The band was led by Jessica Wyman, the chorus by Brittany Bissonnette and the orchestra by Michael Molloy.

Art teacher Claire Merz, who coordinates the fundraiser, unwrapped the large check, which student council members Alex Bartolo and Keira Mangin then presented to Make-A-Wish representative Kathie Lombardi. The students spoke about the organization’s mission and the wishes that will be fulfilled this year. Retired Principal Dr. Clara Goldberg, who began the tradition, was also on hand.

“I’m happy to see that something we started 30 years ago has blossomed into something so wonderful,” Goldberg said.

Photos courtesy Massapequa School District