Lockhart Hits High Mark in Make-A-Wish Fundraiser

With determination and open hearts, the students, staff and families of Lockhart Elementary School set a fundraising record in 36 years of collecting money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The total, which cleared $15,000, was announced at the annual concert on Dec. 20.

Money was raised from a walk-a-thon, the sale of bracelets, PTA raffles, online donations and other means. An annual tradition since 1989, the smallest school in the Massapequa School District continues to show its big heart with the Make-A-Wish fundraiser. This year’s donation will allow a 3-year-old named Lucas to go to Disney World.

Principal Michael DeLuca, after speaking about the success of this year’s fundraiser, turned the program over to the musicians. The orchestra, conducted by Alison Pearl, performed three songs. The finale featured a surprise for the guests, as halfway through the Trans-Siberian Orchestra-inspired “Christmas Canon,” fourth and fifth grade chorus members stood up with battery-operated candles and began singing along.

Fifth grade chorus students then sang a trio of holiday tunes under the direction of Kathleen Dyckman including the highly-anticipated “Holiday Lights.” The band, led by Nicole Boyle, wrapped up the show with a medley of Christmas and Hanukkah songs.

Soon, the grand total of this year’s fundraiser was announced, as student council members Ryan Hughes and Vincent Pistillo unveiled the giant check for $15,325. Accepting the donation was Joan Siedlecki, a volunteer wish granter from the foundation.

The six-week fundraiser featured much enthusiasm from the school community.

“The generosity of many will go far in helping a little boy live his Make-A-Wish dream,” Mr. DeLuca said. “I am so proud of how everyone at Lockhart and in Massapequa came together to make this possible.”

Assistant Principal Louisa Vecchione, who remembers the Make-A-Wish fundraiser from her time as a student in the school, noted that “wishes can be the spark that helps children believe anything is possible.”

Fifth grade teacher and student council adviser Diane Bacheller noted that many students in the audience had parents who attended Lockhart and participated in the fundraiser decades ago. That’s one of many reasons why she said it is important to keep the tradition alive.

“Being involved in granting wishes is about helping others,” Ms. Bacheller said, “which in turn, teaches us life-long lessons in giving, selflessness, caring kindness, happiness and joy.”