JAE celebrates with senior citizens at annual St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast

The Joseph A. Edgar Intermediate School continued a long-standing community tradition on March 13, by hosting its annual Senior Citizen St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast.

The event was organized by the school’s fifth grade Student Council, led by adviser Michael Giannetto, and featured musical performances by the fifth grade Select Chorus, “High Notes,” under the direction of Craig Knapp. The breakfast welcomed members of the Rocky Point community and local senior citizens for a festive morning celebrating the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day holiday. Student Council members played a key role in planning the event, helping organize the program, secure donations and serve breakfast to guests. Students greeted attendees, escorted them to their seats, distributed programs and assisted with serving bagels, coffee, tea and desserts.

The morning’s program featured a performance by the Select Chorus, which presented 16 Irish and St. Patrick’s Day-themed songs. The performance also included musical contributions from orchestra director Dave Ventura and band director Cailyn Monastero, who performed Celtic selections on guitar and oboe. Ventura also accompanied the chorus on guitar.

A special highlight of the event was a performance by Select Chorus member Arya Presant, who performed traditional Irish step dances. Additional student performers showcased solos, while two students performed on the bodhrán, a traditional Celtic drum. Chorus member Ella Pizzo also led one of the songs using American Sign Language.

“I’m extremely proud of my fifth grade Select Chorus students,” Knapp said. “Preparing and performing 16 songs is a tremendous accomplishment for these young singers, and their persistence and dedication truly showed.” 

Joseph A. Edgar Intermediate School Principal Nicole Pletka said the event continues to hold special meaning for the community. “Our St. Patrick’s Day Senior Citizen Breakfast at JAE was such a festive event and so well-attended,” Pletka said. “Many grandparents shared how much this tradition means to them. Moments like these remind us how special our JAE community is.”

School leaders also expressed appreciation to staff, students, parent volunteers and the Rocky Point administration and Board of Education for supporting the annual community tradition.

 

Photo captions: 

1. Suffolk County Legislator Chad Lennon, his son Gunnar Lennon and Joseph A. Edgar Principal Nicole Pletka
2. Rocky Point Elementary Music Dept. Chair Craig Knapp, Orchestra director Dave Ventura and Band Director Cailyn Monastero.
3. Student Kayla Gladysz (5th Grade High Notes Member) and her grandparents
4. Student Ella Polzella (5th Grade High Notes and Student Council Member) and her family

 

 Photos courtesy of Rocky Point UFSD