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Radio Disney visits North Elementary
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Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem.North Elementary students put on a special presentation for their parents and guests. Each grade is wearing a different color and they perform a synchronized dance routine.
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Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem.North Elementary Principal Mike Masucci takes time to thank everyone who made the Radio Disney event possible. PNC bank and the school custodial staff are among those who he thanked.
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Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem.Poland North students pass along an oversized microphone in a game to win a music CD. The person holding the microphone when the music stops must return to the audience.
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Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem.Second-grader Philip Hockensmith (left) gets a fake tattoo on his hand from a Radio Disney crew member. Seventh-grader Brittany Pruitt waits in line for her turn.
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Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem.Poland North parents weren't outdone by their kids. They joined in the fun by competing in a dance-off with other parents to win a DVD. Each was given an instrument or microphone to use as a prop.
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Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem.The Radio Disney crew leads students in the movements to the Cha-Cha Slide. This line dance made participants hop, turn and cha-cha to the beat while staying in synch with others.
By SHAIYLA HAKEEM
neighbors@vindy.com
Snow did not stop parents and students from attending a Radio Disney dance party Feb. 5.
North Elementary sponsored the event that was full of music, games and prizes. Students took part in a variety of interactive games and were given prizes such as DVDs, CDs and T-shirts.
Radio Disney transformed the gymnasium of Poland Seminary High School into a room full of laughter and smiling faces. The night was highlighted by a synchronized dance performance by North students. Each grade wore a different color and performed for an audience of more than 500 people.
The event was titled “A Magical Celebration” and served more than one purpose. It allowed Poland students to dance and have a good time, but it was also used to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation to grant another student’s wish.
The last wish that was granted to a Poland student was a trip to Disney World in Florida. North Principal Mike Masucci says that the students and community pulled together in an effort to help raise money and support the cause. Since the students were so involved in the fundraising, Masucci wanted to thank them.
“Despite a struggling economy and many out of work, the students, staff, PTO and community came through and raised over $7,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation in only a few months,” Masucci said.
The last wish that was granted was the third wish within six years at North Elementary. Masucci contacted Radio Disney in Cleveland and set in motion the plan for the Radio Disney dance party.
“Arrangements were made to hold a ‘Magical Celebration’ in order to thank the students of North Elementary School for their compassion, kindness and empathy,” Masucci said.
Activities to raise money during the event included Chick-fil-A selling chicken sandwiches, Poland staff conducting a bake sale and the PTO selling raffle tickets for a drawing for more than 30 baskets.
“We are approximately $500 short of granting a second wish - we’ll get it! It’s amazing,” Masucci said.