A Carnival For A Cause

St. Anthony’s High School students in Huntington Station exemplify the spirit of volunteerism and community. As participants in Optimum Community’s Charity Champions, which supports students’ charitable activities and donates money to a high school-selected charity, the students commit time and effort to raising money, competing against other schools, and contributing the funds raised. Over 300 students joined forces with school staff and parents to create a memorable experience for special-needs kids and their families.

In an all-out volunteer effort the group provided the kids with everything necessary to enjoy their Friars Golden Kids Carnival with all proceeds from the event going to The Center for Developmental Disabilities. The students served as buddies and activity leaders for the children and helped to organize and run the carnival. The children enjoyed the bounce house, the inflatable slide,and the obstacle course. They danced, played sports, joined in carnival games, colored, and did face painting. Molly E. an 11th grader shared, "The carnival is a really rewarding experience… and the kids are always so happy to be there" Fellow student Jacqueline H. exclaimed, "Being able to spend time with the kids, talk to them and see how happy they were with the face paintings was an experience of a lifetime, and it brought me such joy to be a part of it!"