Caroline G. Atkinson Intermediate School was filled with high energy as students took the auditorium stage for the school’s annual multicultural assembly in honor of Black History Month.  

Students from a dozen classrooms teamed up and performed skits, read poems, danced, rapped and sang songs for fellow classmates and parents in the audience. Each performance reflected their artistic and musical abilities as they delivered powerful messages pertaining to African American history.

The assembly ended with a bang, as the school’s step team clapped and stomped in powerful dance number.

Excitement resonated throughout Bayview Avenue School’s cafeteria as fourth grade students, decked out in red, welcomed Village of Freeport police officers for the school’s 24th annual Adopt-A-Cop Valentines Luncheon Celebration. 

Social worker Cindy Misrock explained that the annual tradition is a way for the school’s students to demonstrate their appreciation to the police officers for protecting their community and for being role models.

Prior to the luncheon, each class presented a Valentine’s Day card to their adopted officer and took a class photo. Under the direction of teacher Priscilla Varela, the students surprised the officers with a dance presentation of the “Cupid Shuffle” to thank them for visiting their school.

Principal Mary Garguilo told the students that they owe so much to the police department for keeping the community safe. “We are proud of the service they provide,” Ms. Garguilo said. “Today’s event is our opportunity to show how grateful we are.”

Assemblywoman Judy Griffin was also in attendance and presented each class with a proclamation for their generosity to the village police. “The Village of Freeport police do so much to keep you safe,” Ms. Griffin said. “They have an amazing impact on you and our community.”

After the presentations, the students sat down with the officers at the Valentine’s Day-themed tables to share pizza for lunch, provided by the school’s PTA organization.

Freeport students wowed Board of Education members, administrators, parents and community members with powerful performances that honored African American achievements and contributions during the district’s ninth annual Black History Month Concert.

Freeport High School’s Sincere Williams kicked off the celebrations with a beautiful rendition of “Lift Every Voice.” During his opening remarks, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham welcomed members of the community and urged those in attendance to be the changemakers in the world. 

“It is important that we all join together to make our community, country and world a safe place for all to follow their dreams and achievements,” Dr. Kuncham said. “As we celebrate those brave visionary men and women who have come before us to improve the lives of African Americans, we also acknowledge that the work continues through us and in the future through our youth.”

One-by-one, students from each school took the stage and showcased their remarkable talents and inspirational messages for positive change. Following the celebration, community members, students and staff witnessed an impressive display of student artwork in the high school lobby that reflected and celebrated the achievements and contributions of African Americans throughout history.