Bethpage Students Celebrate Local Heroes With Parade, Patriotic Music

Students waved flags, held handmade signs, and welcomed first responders.

By Melanie Gulbas, Patch Staff

May 11, 2026 3:23 pm EDT

First responders and CCS students parade along the drive outside the school. (Photos courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District.)

BETHPAGE, NY — Red, white, and blue filled Charles Campagne Elementary School as students proudly celebrated the hometown heroes who keep their community safe.

Family members serving as firefighters, EMTs, and police officers were honored during a festive parade earlier this month, complete with patriotic music, handmade posters, waving flags, and even a bagpipe performance.

Students showed support with handmade posters. / Courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District.

The CCS Band and Orchestra performed patriotic favorites while students cheered on the honored guests.

The CCS student council presented a check to Tunnel to Towers, which is a joint fundraising effort with Bethpage's other two elementary schools, Central Boulevard and Kramer Lane.

CCS’s student council officers present a check to Tunnel to Towers, a joint fundraising effort between Bethpage’s three elementary schools. / Courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District.

Kevin Healy, former CCS principal, led the parade in traditional dress and played the bagpipes for all.

As another sign of appreciation, first responders were welcomed to dig in at a breakfast reception after the parade.

Students and first responders celebrated by walking in the parade. (Photos courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District.)

Former principal Mr. Healy led the parade in traditional dress, playing the bagpipes. (Photos courtesy of Bethpage Union Free School District.)

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