Holiday lights shine bright at Ogden school

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At Ogden Elementary School in Valley Stream, lights, decorations, music, food and games for students, parents, teachers and staff set a cheery tone for the holidays on Dec. 21. Last year, the event was drive-thru only, but this year, the children were able to enjoy the experience outdoors in each other’s company.

Parent Teacher Association co-president Nicole Eliopoulos said the displays of light are a festive part of many different holidays, which is why a light show was a great way to celebrate at Ogden.

She credited Principal Dr. Dina Anzalone, volunteering parents, such as former Ogden parent Ethan Lahey and a think tank made up of Ogden teachers, for the success of the event, which aimed to create an inclusive, special holiday experience for students and their families.

Entering through the school into the school yard, visitors followed a colorfully lit path, passing festive windows showcasing Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa, the Lunar New Year, the winter season and New Year’s, inflatable snowmen, cookie stands, a live band, under a tunnel of arched lights and into an outdoor holiday fair.

Teachers designed the holiday window displays, which “were meant to look like the windows in Saks Fifth Avenue or Macy’s Herald Square,” Anzalone said.

Holiday cookies and desserts from different cultures were donated by Ogden families to be served alongside warm s’mores, hot cocoa, hot pretzels and other treats Light up pedal cars and two inflatable bounce houses were a favorite amongst the energetic elementary schoolers.

Ogden students also had fun throwing plush ‘snowballs’ at each other while DJ Pace played Christmas music. A crowd gathered around carolers from the Hewlett High School Chorale.

“I love how they have so many different things here,” Hewlett High junior Emily Shalom, a Chorale member said. “It brings the whole community together. I think it’s really cute and it’s nice for the holidays.”

Woodmere Middle School sixth-grader, Christian Mentor, thought that this year’s event was a level-up from last year. “Before we were in cars just driving around but now, we’re actually outside,” he said. “They have fun activities, and they have yummy food.”