Howell helps one of its own

The Howell Road School gymnasium was very lively after hours last Friday night, as the community came together to raise money for a student with cancer.

Nicholas Lakharam was diagnosed with bone cancer last summer and has missed all of what would have been his final year at Howell Road before moving on to junior high. But he was strong enough to attend the party on Feb. 11, organized by teachers and parent leaders.

The event, which was attended by about 400 students from across District 13, raised $7,900 for the Lakharam family. There was lots of dancing, face painting, temporary tattoos, games, ice cream sundaes, raffles, manicures and pie-throwing. Nicholas, who was visited by State Sen. Dean Skelos and County Legislator John Ciotti, was particularly excited to see his classmates.

And his classmates were glad to see him. “We used to always play recess together,” said sixth grader Jonathan Labady. “We used to hang out at lunch. We used to have fun together. I hope he feels better.”

Jeffrey Boltaire, who said he has known Nicholas since kindergarten, wanted to come out and support his friend. The two talked about the New York Knicks, their favorite basketball team.

And Khole Dock described Nicholas a nice guy who also has a really good sense of humor. “He can make a normal conversation turn into something really funny,” said Jeffrey, who has known Nicholas since fourth grade.

Sixth-grade teacher Veronica Oquendo taught Nicholas in kindergarten and said she would have had him again as a student this year. She said it is important that the teachers help out in a student’s time of need. “Everyone chipped in,” she said. “We have contributions coming from the other schools as well.”

In addition to helping organize the fundraiser, the teachers have been donating money to the family throughout the year, and provided baskets, gift cards and dinners. Noele Villa, who taught Nicholas in fourth grade, said they wanted to do something to get the kids involved. That’s how last week’s big event, “Howell has Heart,” came about.

And Lisa Asaro, the school’s physical education who also helped to organize the event, said the teachers would do anything to help Nicholas and the family out. All proceeds from the evening went directly to the family.

The PTA also sponsored the event. “The community has to get together to help out one of our own,” said Sujata Blaoch, the co-president. She added that she was ecstatic about the turnout for the event.

Nicholas and his family were certainly appreciative. “It’s amazing,” said his mother, Bibi, of last week’s event. “We didn’t expect it to be like this. From Day 1, everyone’s been very supportive.”

She added that Nicholas, who goes for treatment every two weeks, has stayed in good spirits throughout his ordeal. She hopes he will be able to return to school next year. So does Nicholas, who misses his friends and enjoys learning social studies and science.

Howell Road Principal Frank Huplosky, who said about 90 percent of the teachers turned out for the fundraiser, said this type of event is indicative of the school community.

Huplosky said he commends Nicholas for how he has handled this difficult situation. “He’s an amazing child,” Huplosky said. “He’s got an amazing attitude toward this. He’s very brave. He comes to visit us every once in a while, but we miss him a lot.”